Sylvia Lu Haines Parsons was born December 17, 1932. A native of Welsh, La., she lived in Lake Charles since 1948. She graduated from Lake Charles High School. She received her B.A. degree in Elementary Education and her Master Ed degree from McNeese State University. Sylvia taught elementary grades and was a Math Lab teacher at Greinwich and Brentwood Elementary. She retired from the Calcasieu Parish School System after serving 25 years.
Sylvia was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, serving in many areas. She was a member and officer of United Methodist Women and a long-time member of the Mission Outreach Committee. Sylvia and her husband did volunteer mission work with the Nomads organization in many states. She played in the Asbury Bell Choir and was a member of Cursillo #95. Sylvia was a member of the Open-Door Sunday School Class for many years. In 1999 she organized the New Horizon Group, a fellowship for single senior women and continued to be the leader. She was the Regent of Calcasieu Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution and also was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa Honorary Educational Sorority, Chi Omega Sorority and McNeese State University Alumni Chapter. Sylvia was President for two years of Calcasieu-Cameron Association for Persons with Orthopedic Disabilities and member of the Board for many years. She was also, a member of The Swinging Rebels Square Dance Club, who with her husband, served as President. She was also a member of the Bayou Rounder Round Dance Cub. Sylvia was an active member of the National United Methodist Camping Organization and a member of the Calcasieu-Cameron Retired Teachers' Association.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Troy Parsons, and her parents, Rex and Fern Haines and also a great-grandson, Henry Troy Parsons.
Survivors include one son, Ronald Troy Parsons and wife Karen of Kemah, Texas, two daughters, Sarah Lynn Parsons Whitlock and husband John of Sulphur and Sharon Kay Parsons of Lake Charles. Three grandsons, Jeffrey Inman (Heather), Macon Inman, Christopher Parsons (Kerry) and one granddaughter, Alexandra Doyle (Garrett); and 12 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will begin at Noon until time of service at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Lake Charles. Rev. Weldon Bares will officiate services. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Hixson Funeral Home.
