Annie Marie McAdams Parrish

May 5, 1916 – October 23, 2010

Marie was born in 1916 in Efland, North Carolina to Eugene Franklin McAdams and Nina B. Haley McAdams. She was one of nine children; six brothers and two sisters. Marie was the oldest girl and second child born. She helped raise the other children.

After graduating Valedictorian of her high school in 1932, Marie began nursing school in 1934 at Duke University School of Nursing. During that time, she met and eventually married Dr. Albert A. Parrish on August 16, 1940. The ceremony was held in Duke Chapel.

In 1944, Al joined the Army and was sent overseas during World War II. Marie worked in Duke University operating room until Al’s return home. In 1946, Al and Marie moved to Florida. They opened Al’s urology practice and eventually built an office at 1200 E. Broward Boulevard, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Marie was Al’s nurse.

In 1950, they began building their house which was finished in 1951. They adopted Ann in February, 1951 and moved into their new house. In September, 1952, they adopted Jim. During the early years of raising their children, Marie and Al began ballroom dancing with Arthur Murray. They were excellent dancers, achieving the highest award of Gold Bar.

Al and Marie became very involved with First Presbyterian Church when they moved to Ft. Lauderdale. Marie was quite involved with the Christian Education department teaching Church school in 1954. She taught and managed all areas through 5th grade and Florida Synod School for 10 years back in the 60’s. In her later life, Marie became involved with Bible School and the 4 year old Church School.

In 1980, Al had a heart attack and had to retire. In 1983, Marie retired as well and stayed home to nurse Al back to health. He later passed away in 1985.

After Al’s death, Marie began painting and traveled extensively around the United States learning the techniques of painting in oil colors. She achieved her Professional Certification in 1993. Her love of art came because of her desire to know how to teach the children. As she was learning she also traveled extensively around the world. She also had a love of horseback riding.

Marie is survived by her daughter, Ann Parrish Torp and her husband, Steve Torp; son, James Eugene Parrish; Granddaughter, Kimberly Ann MacDonald and Great Grandsons, James Darrell Rogers, Jr., Chance Tyler Rogers and Noah Andrew Rogers. Marie has a sister in Durham, North Carolina, Merle Upchurch and her husband Pender. There are many, many nieces and nephews all of whom she dearly loved and stayed in contact with.

Viewing will be Friday, October 29, 2010 at Kraeer Fairchild Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

In lieu of Flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church, Christian Education Department or Duke University School of Nursing.