Belva Jean Parrish

Born and raised in Houston to Bluford Belva Jones and Fleta Crystal Worsham, Belva devoted her life to education, compassion, and unwavering advocacy. A lifelong teacher and school counselor, she earned her doctorate in education and used her knowledge, strength, and enormous heart to champion those who needed it most. She was known for fighting for the underdog – whether it was a struggling student, a family in crisis, or anyone who needed a steady hand and fierce voice.

She poured her energy into her students and her school communities (Baker Montessori, Clifton Middle School, St. Pius X High School, and St. Ambrose, just to name a few) leaving an imprint that will never fade.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her sister, Judy Smith; her three children: Richard Christopher (Gina), Kirk Anthony (Jill), and Alyssa Diane (Michael); grandchildren: Katherine (Sam), Sarah, Cole (Ashlyn), Gabriel, Emma, Hunt, Vivian and Katherine; great-grandchild: Eloise Day; and her former husband and dear friend, Richard Thomas Parrish.

Belle’s family wish to acknowledge her countless friends and extended family, The Village of Tanglewood, Arosa, Texas Oncology – Memorial City, Memorial Hermann, Bayou City Hospice and Mrs. Carlea Brock for their steadfast commitment to her care and well-being.

A funeral service celebrating Belle's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025—what would have been her 78th birthday—at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church located at 1801 Sage Rd., Houston, TX, 77056, followed by a reception.