MOUNT VERNON – Virginia M. Parrish, beloved mother of Mary Ann (Patrick) Kent, was called home by her Lord on Saturday evening, Feb. 13, 2021. She was born on May 1, 1915, in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, to the late Charles Reuben and Mary Ann (Barnes) Morriss.
As a registered nurse with a specialty in obstetrics, Virginia served in the U.S. Army during World War II, reaching the rank of captain, and worked with men who returned home with severe post-trauma distress. After the war, she returned to her specialty and was instrumental in the establishment of the first maternity ward in any U.S. military hospital. Upon marriage, she dedicated her life to serving her family, church and community. She earned a master’s degree in theology at the University of the South.
Virginia married Fred Ogden Parrish in 1945, traveled with him around the world for 40 years as he served in the U.S. Air Force, then survived him for 35 years as a widow.
She is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann Villagran (Patrick) Kent of Utica; grandson, Roy Anthony Villagran of Holts Summit, Missouri; granddaughter, Erin Nicole (Chris) Lapeyrouse Layton; great-granddaughters, Ally, Sofia and Miley Rose Layton of Elk City, Oklahoma; and nephew, Victor (Amanda) Van Beuren and sons of Springfield, Virginia.
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mary Ann; her husband, Fred; a daughter, Denise Frost Lapeyrouse; a granddaughter, Devin Elena Lapeyrouse Villegas; great-grandson, Eddie Villegas; sister, Georgia Van Beuren; and nephews, Steven Van Beuren and Barnes Van Beuren.
The family will receive friends from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at the Flowers-Snyder Funeral Home, 619 E. High St. in Mount Vernon. The Rosary will be recited following the visitation, led by Deacon Tim Birie.
Virginia will be laid to rest beside her husband Fred in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Doctors Without Borders USA; P.O. Box 5030; Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030.
To share a memory or send the family an expression of sympathy, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
The Flowers-Snyder Funeral Home is honored serve the family Virginia M. Parrish.
