Robert Parish

ROBERT LEE PARISH, JANUARY 29, 1936 – MAY 21, 2009 Robert (Bob) Parish, passed away quietly in his sleep Thursday morning, May 21, 2009, at his home of natural causes. He was born January 29, 1936 in Meridian, MS to Cora and Enoch Parish. He grew up in and attended Jacksonville, NC Public Schools. Bob moved to Michigan in the 1950s where he met his wife, Harriet Jo-Ann Carter. Bob was active in the Labor Union Movement in the 60s, 70s, and 80s – he began his janitorial business in the 1950s/1960s, then moved on to work construction late 60s and early 70s and then onto GM where he remained until retirement in the 1990s. Bob is best known for his work and leadership in the community with such projects as the “East Side Project”, East Side Basketball Camp and one of the founders of “The Daily Bread Soup Kitchen”. He served as President of United Way Lenawee County for many years. He was a strong leader and president in the labor union movement. He fought hard for the rights of his fellow workers and wanted the best for his community. He is survived by the four children he raised with his wife, Debra (Parish) Spann of Chicago, IL; Gregory Parish of Adrian; Scott Parish of Adrian; and Robin Parish of Adrian. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Dawn Spann-Pierre of Ft Lauderdale, FL; Rosalynn (Nikky) Parish of Adrian, MI; Lamar Parish of Adrian, MI; Jennifer Parish of Cleveland, OH; Ashley (Parish) Mirelez of South Carolina; Joshua Donald of Adrian, MI; Misha (Donald) Walker of Adrian, MI; DeShawn Parish of Adrian, MI; Ryleigh Parish of Adrian, MI; Tyler Scott Parish of Jackson, MI; Michael Anthony Powell of Austin, TX; Scott Torres Parish of Onsted, MI; Nyashia Torres of Onsted, MI ; Chris Torres of Onsted, MI; Joshua Torres of Adrian, MI. Robert Parish is also survived by 22 great-grandchildren: Denise Cayard-Spann, Daishon Spann-Shabazz, Dominique Spann-Shabazz, Destyni Spann-Shabazz, Qyrah Spann-Pierre – all of Ft Lauderdale, FL; Jurell Parish, Laci Sager, Lexi Sager – all of Adrian, MI; Dorian Bakewell , Simone Bakewell, Ethan Stewart – all of Cleveland, OH; Adriana Mirelez of South Carolina; Iverson Rojo of Arizona, Braden Donald; Marcel Parish, Tyra Parish, Nevaeh Parish, Jada Parish, Ashante Tindall, Javen Carr, Lyric Walker – all of Adrian, MI. He is survived by five sisters, Dorothy (Dudley) Marsh of Greenville, NC, Margaret Ann (Parish) Semmons of Jacksonville, NC, Clara (Parish) Brown of Okinawa City, Japan, Cora Dell Parish of New York, NY, Betty (Parish) Goings of Memphis, Tennessee and two brothers, James (Cooter) Parish and Bobby (Sonny) Parish of Jacksonville, NC - along with a host of nieces/great nieces and nephews/great-nephews. Robert was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Harriet Jo-Ann Carter Parish, his mother Cora Lee Collins Parish; his father Enoch Parish, sister, Mildred (Parish) Chapman, two sons Jeffrey Lee Parish and Troy Enoch Parish; grandson Raji Rochad Parish. Robert Parish loved his family, friends and community very much. He was adored and admired by all of those who met him. There is nothing he would not do for his neighbor. The service celebrating the life of Robert will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at Ogden Church with Rev. Michael Dudley officiating. Friends may visit the family at the Wagley Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 26th from 2 to 8 p.m. You may also send condolences to the family at www.wagleyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Robert may be made to Lenawee United Way or The Daily Bread. Envelopes are available at Wagley Funeral Home.

Robert Parish

January 29, 1936 - May 21, 2009