Annie Ruth (Hill) Parrish

Annie Ruth Parrish, passed away on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community in Greenville.

Annie Ruth was born on June 11, 1934 in Lenoir County to the late Jessie Grainger and Oma Caroline Howard Hill. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clifton “Toot” Parrish, and sister, Grace H. Morris.

She is survived by her children:  son – Roderick Doyle Parrish and wife Nancy of Raleigh, NC and their children:  Meredith Zingraff and husband Owen, Yates Parrish and fiancée Cate Glendenning, and  Joseph Parrish; son – Darrell Glenn Parrish and wife Debra of Seven Springs, NC and their children:    Kelsey Parrish and fiancé Scott Novicki, and Cameron Parrish; son – Clifton Wade Parrish of Alexandria, VA; three brothers:   Morris L. Hill of Kinston,  Warren G. Hill of Cary, and  Douglas G. Hill of Morehead City.  She is also survived by many nephews, nieces and cousins who regarded her as another sister, friend and confidant. 

A Native of Lenoir County, she graduated from Deep Run High School.  Afterwards she worked for many years in various managerial and administrative positions at several county schools including Deep Run H. S., South Lenoir H. S., Woodington Jr. H. S. and Moss Hill Elementary School.  She retired from State employment in 1993 after 40 years of continuous service.  She often credited the former Principal of Deep Run High School, A. R. Munn, for her long and successful career with the school system.

Annie Ruth, married her High School sweetheart, Clifton “Toot” Parrish at a young age and fondly recalled the early years and challenges of raising (i.e., chasing) three boys on a small rural farm.  She and Toot had a long and happy marriage – 63 years total until his death in 2013.  They most enjoyed caring for their livestock, working in their abundant garden and traveling to the river with their pets to share time with family and friends.  They regularly attended their sons’ sporting and scouting activities, and more recently the same activities of their five grandchildren.

Annie Ruth was an active member of Smith New Home  Baptist Church for 80+ years.  She held many committee and teaching roles during this time.  Her faith was strong and she enjoyed sharing her beliefs with family members, friends and strangers alike.  She was fully prepared and eager to leave her physical presence on Earth and rejoin her parents and husband who she missed deeply.

“There are no strangers here, only friends we have not yet met” describes Annie Ruth well.  She left behind many life-long friends in the Deep Run community, like-minded acquaintances she met when traveling with her husband and more recent friends made during her stay at the Cypress Glen Retirement Community.  She will be remembered for her willingness to share her time and faith, and as a truly generous, caring and giving woman.   

Visitation April 17, 2018  6:00-8:00 at Pink Hill Funeral Home.  Funeral April 18,2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Pink Hill Funeral Home .  Interment will be at Pine Lawn in Kinston N.C. at 2:00p.m.

Memorials may be made to Smith New Home Baptist Church or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society NC Chapter.

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