Gwendolyn Parnell

Gwendolyn Carol McJunkin was born on November 4, 1953, to Thomas and Peggy McJunkin while the couple was stationed in California with the U.S. Air Force. The family of three then moved to England before settling in Sumter, South Carolina.

Gwen became the proud big sister to Jeff, Cindy, Randy, and Jean. She graduated as salutatorian from Thomas Sumter Academy in 1972. Although her father worked as Chief Deputy under Sheriff I. Byrd Parnell, Sr., in Sumter County for many years, Gwen did not meet the love of her life, Ira B. Parnell, Jr., until she was eighteen. Ira, however, knew Chief McJunkin as “Mac” from the time he was 10 years old and long before he asked for Gwen’s hand in marriage. During the “talk,” Ira told Mac that if he didn’t think he would make a suitable son-in-law, it was partly his fault because he half-raised him.

The couple married on June 2, 1973, and moved to Irmo, SC, where Ira began his career with SLED and Gwen supported him as a doting newlywed until she started as a part-time receptionist at Salem United Methodist Church in 1975.

For Ira, Gwen was his best friend, rock, and soulmate. She was the other half of their 110% - 110% team and he will sorely miss her love and counsel. Any tears are for our loss only. His joy and comfort is knowing she is with our Lord and that she is whole once more. He looks forward to being reunited across the river.

As “Momma” to I.B., Tommy, and Janie, Gwen loved her children very well and instilled in them a true love of the Lord. Some of their favorite memories include living room worship sessions to their favorite Christian 8-track tape or record, crafting, trips to the library, making bread, and helping her with crocheted snowflakes for Christmas gifts. Gwen always seemed to “find a way” to make things happen.

Gwen poured out her love of the Lord into many children, teens, and adults through personal ministry and ministry through Salem United Methodist Church. She was a Lay Leader and Speaker, active in the choir and UMW, and served as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent. She also touched many lives as a staff member of Union United Methodist Church. She, no doubt, was greeted by her Lord with “well done good and faithful servant”.

Gwen was an avid reader, loved crafting, and found an enormous amount of joy in loving on her nine grandchildren, who called her GG (Grandma Gwen). She spent many hours crocheting blankets for those grandchildren before a stroke in 2013 took the use of her left arm.

Her stroke, however, did not hinder her ability to keep tabs on her family, whether it was from her recliner or bed. She was diligent in checking in with Ira multiple times a day and often spoke with most family members each day. Her daily phone calls will be missed tremendously.

Gwen is survived by Ira, her loving and devoted husband of 52 years; her children I.B. (Michelle) Parnell, Tommy (Ande) Parnell, and Janie (Matt) McNair; her grandchildren Eve (William) Crabtree, Abi Parnell, Holden Parnell, Hannah McNair, Kempson Parnell, Lizzie Parnell, William McNair, Grigsby Parnell, and Caleb McNair; mother Peggy McJunkin; siblings Jeff (Portia) McJunkin, Cindy (Mike) Cochran, Randy (Donna) McJunkin, and Jean Nettles; sister-in-law Jean (Terry) Ledford; a wonderful group of nephews and a niece; and many extended family members. Gwen is preceded in death by her father, Thomas McJunkin.

The family will forever be grateful for special friends Kathy Barker and Margo VanRosevelt, who faithfully visited Gwen regularly during her years at the Lowman Home.

A celebration of life will be held for family and friends on March 6, 2026, at 3:00pm at Salem United Methodist Church. A time of visitation will take place immediately after the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Gwen’s memory to CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network) Operation Blessing at 1-800-700-7000 or cbn.com.