Nancy A. Parris

Nancy Ann Parris of Columbia, South Carolina entered the church triumphant on April 6, 2021. She was born in Gaffney, South Carolina to the late Eddie Dean Mathis and Vernie Trent Mathis. Nancy Ann attended Gaffney High School where she graduated in 1957. After high school, she moved from Gaffney to Columbia, South Carolina where she began working at The University of South Carolina Alumni Association. She married Donald Maxie Parris in April of 1958. Ann and Don were married for 49 years before Don entered the kingdom of heaven. During those 49 years, Nancy Ann was a loving and caring wife, mother and nana. Once her children were in school, she re-entered the workforce as a Montessori kindergarten teacher. Nancy Ann loved working with children and loved sharing in the education process. In 1988, Nancy Ann became an administrative assistant to the Director of Real Estate Commission at LLR, where she would retire 22 years later. Nancy Ann enjoyed painting, drawing, writing, music and watching classic movies. She always enjoyed a pun and a good crossword puzzle and spending time with her grandchildren. Nancy Ann was an active member of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, where she used to sing in the choir. She also served as the arts and creative director at Camp Kemo for many years.

Ann is survived by her daughter, Linda Parris Miller and son-in-law, Billy Miller and their children, Cody Miller (Lindsay) of Lexington, SC and Katey Miller. They reside in Irmo, SC. She is also survived by her daughter, Laura Parris Jordan and son-in-law, Eddie Jordan and their children, Torren Thomas and Bade Thomas. They reside on James Island, SC. She is also survived by her sister, Linda (Earl) Wells of Columbia, SC and Martha Harding of Mocksville, NC along with several nieces and nephews who loved their aunt. Ann was preceded in death by her sister, Betty Ostwalt of Troutman, NC.

Due to standing Covid protocol, a family service will be live streamed on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 11:00 am for anyone to attend virtually. This service will be followed by an in-person, open to the public, graveside service at 1:00 pm at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church cemetery. We encourage you to watch the live stream and attend the graveside. Blue was Ann’s favorite color, and the family is asking to please wear something blue.

The family would like to thank and recognize Dr. Stillwell and the entire 8th floor oncology unit, especially the nurses, at Lexington Medical Center. Also thank you to Agape Hospice Care.

If you would like to donate in lieu of flowers, please send funds to Camp Kemo by visiting their website at www.palmettohealthchildrens.org or via mail to Prisma Health Children’s Hospital – Midlands, ATTN: Camp Kemo, 7 Richland Medical Park Drive, Columbia, SC 29203.