In loving memory of Annie L. Parrish, born June 26, 1940, in Sexton, Missouri.
Mother Annie L. Parrish was a survivor! She started her life as a foster child, eventually being raised by her Aunt Willie May and her beloved Uncle Daniel Walker after which she named her first-born son Daniel. Her early years were difficult, but she was resilient. She dedicated her life to the Lord in her mid-twenties. She was married to David Lipford. She joined the local church, right in her own neighborhood of East 38th Street in Cleveland, Ohio. Sundays were dedicated wholly to God and as she walked to church, she picked up the neighborhood children to go with her. She made a home where anyone was welcome. Annie would fondly tell a story of once having the local police come to the house looking for a neighborhood child who had run away. She let the authorities know she didn’t know where the child was. It was after the authorities left that her children confessed that the young man had been at the house for three days. They didn’t feel he was safe in his home and was “hiding” him until it was safe for him to return home. That’s what she taught her children at an early age, and what each of them still practice today. Whatever was in the home was enough for whomever would need it.
Annie remarried on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1998, to Tony Parrish until his demise on April 4, 1991. Annie attended St. Paul Missionary Baptist church where he served as a Deacon and Annie as a Deaconess. Her most cherished distinction, other than being Saved, was called Mother Annie Parrish, because for her it meant that it was her responsibility to bring along whomever God sent her way. Mother Parrish also got joy for managing Mother’s Closet. She used a dedicated space at St. Paul to collect, organize and manage clothing donations. On a monthly basis, the closet was open for anyone needing any type of clothing items. While she enjoyed being able to provide for those who had need, she talked more about the fellowship she shared with her sisters while working in the “Closet”. She also looked forward to hosting St. Paul’s annual coat drive. She would begin collecting coats in the Fall right before the first real cold days to ensure children and adults had winter coats when they needed them.
Mother Parrish spent her time laboring for the Lord. Over the years, Mother Annie Parrish was a guest speaker for a variety of Women’s Ministry events. Her favorites, other than at her own beloved St. Paul was in Boston where her son Dan is a pastor, and in Akron, where her son Benjamin is a pastor.
Annie L. Parrish leaves behind a rich legacy, one she prayed for, and over until the end of her days. She is survived by her twelve children, Wm. Daniel (Verniece)McCoy-Walker (Boston, MA), David L. (Vanessa) Lipford of Cleveland, OH, Solomon E. Lipford, Sheba N. Marshall, Rachel E. (Carl) Gordon, Rebecca M. (Dwight) Jones, (all of Akron, OH), Mary L. Williams (Clarksville, TN), Joseph A. Lipford (Cleveland, OH), Benjamin E. (Serena) Lipford (Akron, OH), Isaac A. (Diane) Lipford, (Columbus, OH), Micah A. (Sharon) Lipford, Leah T. Nance, (both of Akron, OH) and honorary granddaughter, Lisa Williams.
Mother Annie Parrish is also survived by 36 grandchildren, 57 great grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren and longtime friends, Pat Pulliam of Virginia and Pastor Bridget and Maxine Tomakins.
She was preceded in death by her husband Tony Parrish, her Aunt Willie Mae and Uncle Dan Walker; sister-in-law and loving life friend, Mary Lucille Lynch.
Viewing will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1350 Virginia Ave. Akron, Oh 44306. Viewing will also be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral service will immediately follow. Interment Monday, February 12, 2024, at 12:45 at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.