Minnie Peterson Parsons

Minnie Beatrice Peterson Parsons of Ashland, Virginia departed this life on July 28, 2011. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Thelma C. Peterson; brothers, Alvin Jerome and Wilbur Calvin Peterson; nephews, Calvin Peterson and six uncles; Bruce, Edward, Theodore, Walter, Earl and Booker T. Carter. Minnie was born in Hanover County, Virginia and graduated from John M. Gandy High School in Ashland, VA, Smith-Madden Business College and J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College. She was baptized at an early age and joined the Brown Grove Baptist Church where she was a faithful member. Over the years she served her church as Sunday School Secretary. Minnie was a retired school secretary with Richmond Public Schools. She retired after forty-years of service working at Maggie L. Walker High School for seventeen years, Adams Corner for two years and Ginter Park Elementary School for twenty-three years, from which she retired. Minnie also spent ten years working at the Richmond Technical Center as a full-time substitute secretary after retirement. She was dedicated to her job and had great work ethics, which was evident in 1983 when she was named “Secretary of the Year” by the Richmond Association of Educational Office Professionals and again in 1984 by the Virginia Association of Educational Office Professionals. When her children were in school, she worked diligently with the schools, serving four years as secretary to the Elmont School PTA and two yeas as vice president of the Patrick Henry High School PTA and also worked with the band boosters club. Minnie was involved with many clubs and organizations: • She was the Past Matron of the Elizabeth Harris Chapter, #86 Order of Eastern Star of Virginia, P.H.A. She also served as the financial secretary to District 5 and 35. • Las Amigas, Inc., a civic non-profit national organization, where she was a member for over forty years. • Hanover County Advisory Council for many years • Retired Richmond Association of Educational Office Professionals • National Association of Educational Office Professionals • Virginia Association of Educational Office Professionals • Richmond Association of Educational Office Professionals • She helped to organize the Central Virginia Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association • Member of “Women Transformed to Inspire” • Black Art Lovers Travel Club A great cook, Minnie had many specialties that she baked and served to her many family and friends, especially her bread pudding, shrimp salad, and mac and cheese. She loved to travel to New York City to see various plays on Broadway. She and her devoted sister Lois and other friends formed the Black Arts Lovers Travel Club and visited many places. She and her husband [Bill] also traveled to many destinations. Her dream was fulfilled when she and Lois traveled to Paris. She also enjoyed good food and fine dining. Minnie loved family; she was the one everyone called on to do things. When there was a cook out, she helped organize it; when there was a death in the family, she wrote the obituary. When you wanted to know about the family history she was the one to call. If you needed something typed, she was the one willing to do it. Minnie gathered the family on special occasions for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. She was such a giving and kind-hearted person who gave unconditionally to family and friends. Minnie lived a remarkable life. She was everyone’s friend and confident. She made many friends and everyone loved and respected her advice. After Jesus, her grandchildren were her greatest love. Minnie was always surrounded by them and she loved them dearly. They brought so much joy and happiness into her life. Her oldest grandchild, Chad, presented her with a plaque title “Grandma” which she read daily. She leaves to cherish her memories, a devoted and loving husband of 49 years, William Franklin “Bill” Parsons; a devoted and special son, Major Craig Eric Parsons, Sr. (Raquel) of the U.S. Army, stationed in Salt Lake City, Utah; two special devoted daughters, Ginger Parsons-Pryor (Kevin) and Wendy Felice Parsons of Ashland, Virginia; twelve grandchildren, Chad L. Devin F., Nolen, Bryce and Jada M. Pryor, Ashley F., Craig E. Jr., Gerald R., Jarbarli M., Gabrielle T. and Bianca M. Parsons and Darné Dandridge; one great-granddaughter, MeKenzi Pryor; one special and loving sister, Virginia P. “Lois” Tarrer; three brothers, Theodore Trenton (Mary), Bernard Lee and Barry Darnell Peterson (Talisa); one aunt, Iris Carter; three godchildren, Mercedes Samuels Branch, Sean L. Archer and Michael Smith; one devoted cousin, who was like a sister, Erlene Carter-Dabney; three sisters-in-law, Daisy Peterson, Dr. Roberta Parsons Caston and Naomi Parsons Smith (Jack); two brothers-in-law, David Parsons (Mozelle) and George Parsons (Shirley) and Charles Tarrer; nine nephews, Anton, Shawn, Barry Jr. and Bryant Peterson; Demond and Terrence Tarrer, Eric, David Jr., and Todd Parsons; eight nieces, Cathy P. Mason (Anton), Michelle P. Carter (Anthony), Stacy P. Ross (Dominique), Kendra Peterson, Robin Jones (David), Kimberly C. Weaver, Sonya Davis and Dr. Nichole Parsons-Pollard (Donald); twelve devoted friends, Gloria W. Parker, Brenda L. Archer, Frances H. Robinson, Barbara B. Allen, Helen A. Stokes, Alice Clarke, Rev. Muriel Branch, Mary Sturdivant, Maxine Myers, Nancy Samuels, Beatrice Burton and Ella Pryor-Lee and many other special friends. Grandma Since childhood you have given me, So much strength within And this has been a precious gift That’s seen me through thick and thin It truly may be said You brought happiness with all you did There will never be a Grandma On this Earth Who could compare to you. Chad

Tributes

Minnie Peterson Parsons

February 8, 1941 - July 28, 2011