Bette Sue Jackson Parrish McNeilly passed peacefully through the gates of heaven on Sunday, March 11, surrounded by her children and family following a long illness. She was born January 4, 1933 in Birmingham, Alabama to Harold Edward Jackson, Sr. and Kathleen Elizabeth Pope Jackson. In 1953 she married Edward Craig Parrish, Sr. who preceded her in death in 1998, twenty years to the day from Bette Sue’s passing. In 2005, Bette Sue found love again, and married Robert E. McNeilly, Jr. who also preceded her in death. Together they enjoyed ten wonderful years of travel, companionship and love.
Well known for her overwhelming kindness to everyone she met, Bette Sue lived her life as a gracious and loving mother and grandmother. She was passionate about her love for gardening and sharing that love with others through her artwork. She always opened her lovely home to friends and family for gatherings and celebration, especially treasuring Christmas. She enjoyed golf, tennis, watercolor, bridge, and many happy vacations to Stuart, Florida. Her beloved Kitty Kitty was her favorite companion, yet Bette Sue’s true spirit was always reflected in an overwhelming and caring love for her family, whom she always put first. Bette Sue was a pleasure to be around and was strongly devoted to her close circle of friends.
Bette Sue is survived by her children Edward Craig Parrish, Jr. (Sherri), Nathan Craig Parrish (Nancy), and Corinne Parrish Ward (Jimmy), and her grandchildren Mary Craig Parrish Tortorice (Brandon), Ashley Parrish Colclasure (Ethan), Katie Ward Anderson (Garrett), James Craig Ward, Nathan Craig Parrish, Jr., Coleman Craig Parrish, Elizabeth Evans Parrish, Corinne Evans Parrish and five great grandchildren. She is also survived by step children Rob McNeilly (Caroline), Caroline McNeilly Bartholomew (David), Eleanor McNeilly Arnold (Scott) and nine step grandchildren. She greatly missed and grieved the recent losses of her brother Harold Edward “Buddy” Jackson and sister in law Frances Caldwell Jackson.
Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 4815 Franklin Pike, Nashville on Wednesday, March 14 at 2:00 PM with Dr. Todd B. Jones and the Very Reverend Timothy E. Kimbrough officiating. Visitation with the family will take place on Wednesday March 14, 2018 from 12:00-2:00 PM. A private family burial will be scheduled separately. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church or Christ Church Cathedral.
Bette Sue asked that in memory of her to extend an act of kindness to someone in need.
