Mrs. Ellen Parrish Herron, 66, of Quinton, AL, passed awayunexpectedly on September 18, 2024, while at UAB Hospital.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents: Clay & Christine Morgan, Vernon & Era Mae Parrish; her father: Reverend J.D. Parrish; her uncles: Henry Morgan II, Wallace (Elaine) Morgan; her nephew: D.J. Morgan.
Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of hermother, Patricia Parrish, her husband, Mark Herron, her onlychild, Valerie Herron-Reese, & son-in-law, Marshall Odom; three grandchildren: Parrish Granger, Maggie Christine, and Delaina Hope Reese, four step grandchildren: Shanna (Daryl) Eaton, Bryant (Anna) Reese, Charlotte & David Odom; and eight step great grandchildren: Samuel, Oliver, Amelia, & Charlotte Reese and Evelyn, Caleb, Daniel, & Bennett Eaton; a brother, Daniel (Teresa) Parrish; brothers-in-law: Bobby Herron, Rick (Sheri) Herron, Tim (Judy) Herron, Duncan (Gloria) Herron, Jonathan Cook, along with a host of devoted aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
As we gather to celebrate Ellen’s life, we will honor not only the woman we lost, but the legacy of love, faith, and resilience she leaves behind. Ellen’s spirit radiated resilience: a testament to the strength she derived from her deep-rooted relationship with God.
Ellen was born in Gary, IN, on September 26, 1957, daughter of the late Reverend J.D Parrish and Patricia Parrish. At an early age she professed her faith & love in Jesus Christ, and she was devoted to the church.
Ellen’s love story began when she met her husband at the Church of God Youth Camp in the summer of 1975. Mark Herron was smitten with this girl that had golden hair and a shining spirit. Eight months later, Ellen and Mark were marriedon May 22, 1976. The following year, they were blessed with their daughter, Valerie. They were married for 48 years.
Ellen was always an active member at church. She was always working & helping in some capacity at her father’s church, Bethel Family Worship Center, or singing in the choir at Dora Church of God as a teenager or at Sumiton Church of God as an adult unless sickness or weakness kept her from it.
She served the Lord with her whole heart, mind, body & spiritand exemplified a Christian life as beautiful as the flowers in her garden. She was an intercessor & fierce prayer warrior. She always had a generous, joyful spirit with a pleasant personalitydespite the hardships and suffering that she and her husband dealt with privately. She defied her doctors when they told her she would not live another 5-10 years in her twenties and again in her thirties. Dialysis, two kidney transplants, plasmapheresis, several heart surgeries, and a few near-death experiences; through it all God reigned over her life and gave her strength,healing, mercies, and blessings. He enveloped her in His arms and had His angels camped around her as a hedge of protection until it was her time to leave this world and join Him in Heaven.
Sweet Ellen was an amazing homemaker throughout her life and marriage. Decorating the house for the season, holidays, birthdays, or special occasions was especially important to her. She loved making the house look and smell wonderful for family and visitors. She would always say “well if anyone ever comes to visit, I am prepared.” A good party, especially birthday parties for the grandkids were her specialty.
Ellen had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. She was truly an angel of light in times ofdarkness. Extremely loving and compassionate; to her friends, Ellen was a confidante, always ready to lend an ear or offer a helping hand. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel special and valued, whether it was through a simple note, a delicious meal or treat, or just a heartfelt conversation.
During her many treatments, doctors, and medical staff, especially those in the transplant clinic at the Kirklin Clinic of UAB, knew her not only as a patient, but as a friend, always lifting their spirits. She made everyone feel loved and cared about. They cherished her generous heart and sincere care she extended to each of them. She embodied her belief that even in suffering, one can shine light into the lives of others. She was always actively asking everyone how they were, if they needed anything, or if she needed to help them pray about anything.
May our hearts hold close the light she ignited within us, and may we continue to share that light with the world. Ellen may have left this earthly plane, but we can find solace in knowing she is in the divine arms of her Savior, surrounded by peace and love that knows no bounds. Rest in peace, sweet Ellen; you will be missed tremendously but never forgotten.
For those that wish to attend, Visitation will be at Bell’s Funeral Home, 510 Main Street, Sumiton, AL, from 12-2pm on Monday, September 23, 2024
Funeral service will follow at 2pm with burial at the Brasfield Cemetery, also known as Bible Church of God Cemetery on 1109 Burnwell Road, Quinton, AL 35130.
