Silas Parrish

Obituary For Silas Parrish

Mr. Silas Lafayette Parrish, age 88, originally from Tallevast, FL, passed away on July 14th, 2023 at Sanford Manor in Sanford, NC. He was predeceased by his parents Verner and Agnes Murphy Parrish, brothers Willie Parrish and Frank Parrish, and sisters Essie Lueverna Phillips, Marthenia Ward, Jimmie Lee Brown, Frank Parrish, Elizabeth Byrd, and Nadine Rhodes. He is survived by Ismay Parrish, daughters Christie Parrish and Shani (Clifton) Whilby, grandsons Clifton Parrish Whilby and Kai Alexander Whilby, his brother Paul Parrish, nephews Jeffrey (JoVonne) Parrish, Leon (Retha) Byrd, and Clifford Billy (Laura) Ward, and nieces Theresa Robinson, Virginia Massie, Yvonne Peggy Ward, Patricia (Henry) Byrd Blake, and Vanessa (Albert) McCall, as well as a host of grand nephews and grand nieces.

Silas grew up in Tallevast, FL, with a large extended family before moving to New York and then Washington DC and Maryland. He attended Florida A&M University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. After graduating, he taught high school for one year before joining the army in 1958. Silas was deployed to Korea, and served until his honorable discharge in 1960. He then moved to New York, where he worked for a short time before moving to Washington, DC, to attend Howard University graduate school on a full scholarship. It is there that he earned a Master's Degree in social work. Upon graduation, Silas began his career with the DC government at an agency that specialized in helping employed alcoholics. He enjoyed a successful and impactful career, and eventually became head of that agency.

It was in DC that Silas met Ismay Lawrence, whom he married in 1973.

The couple had two children; Christie Jamila Everdena in 1976, and Shani Anika Lorraine in 1980. The family lived in Silver Spring, MD for many years. Silas was a devout member of the St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Washington, DC, throughout his time in the area. He served there as head usher until his health began to decline in 2010.

Silas was well-liked by friends, respected by his colleagues, and loved by his family very much. He enjoyed spending time with his large family, traveling, gardening, and cooking, and will be remembered for his skills on the dance floor and impeccable dress. No one could wear a dashiki or a suit and bow tie quite like Silas Parrish.

Visitation will be held from 1:00pm-2:00pm on Sat., July 22, 2023 at Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church. Services will follow at 2:00pm. Burial will be held 2:30pm on Mon., July 24, 2023 at Sarasota National Cemetery. Funeral arrangements by Jones Funeral Home.

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