Gynell “Nell” Parsons of Huntsville, AL, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on December 3, 2021.
Nell was born on May 19, 1934, in Henagar, AL to Albert and Freda Rains. After graduating at the top of her class from Sylvania High School, Nell attended the University of Alabama where she studied chemistry and was one of only a few women in the chemistry program at that time.
While at the University of Alabama, Nell met Robert Parsons, and the two quickly fell in love and married. Soon they welcomed a son, Robert, then a few years later a daughter, Diane.
Nell was a devoted military wife and mother. She selflessly served her family at home while Bob served in the Army. After her children were grown and her husband retired, she and Bob settled in Huntsville where they were active members at First Baptist Church. Nell also ventured into horseback riding, a hobby that Bob and Nell shared for many years. She purchased a horse, Marlon, and her experiences with him as well as their close connection later inspired her to write her memoir, The Big Bay Horse Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.
In 2009 Bob lost his battle with lung cancer after eight long months with Nell by his side. The next year she also had to say goodbye to her beloved, but now old and ailing, horse. She was determined to tell her story and after years of hard work and dedication she achieved her dream of publishing her book in 2019. Nell also found love again with her longtime friend, John, who passed away in 2013.
Nell was the loving grandmother to five granddaughters and great-grandmother to eight great-grandchildren. Despite living hours and hundreds of miles away from most of them, Nell always made her family feel special and cared for by frequently calling, visiting, taking trips with them, and sending cards, poems, or letters. She was a spectacular cook and could usually be found traveling with a special treat in her luggage. Her warm embraces and self-sacrificial love for her family and friends will be greatly missed.
Nell is survived by her brother, Bobby Rains; sister, Greta Love; her children, Robert Parsons and wife, Karen, and Diane Bateman and husband, Bruce; her five granddaughters, Julianne, Jeannene, Jessica, Rebecca and Lindsey; and eight great-grandchildren, Ethan, Winona, Sienna, Nora, Judson, Oliver, Ava and Sadie.
Services will be at 11:00 on December 11, 2021, at First Baptist Church. A Celebration of Life reception will follow. Burial will be in Valhalla Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to smiletrain.org. Please email notification card to Diane at dpknowl@gmail.com or Rob at jetzombie@gmail.com.
