Fannie Mae Parris Duffield

Fannie Mae (Parris) Duffield, 98, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, passed away on February 15, 2026, at her home. Fannie was born on September 1, 1927, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to Johnson “Chump” and Joanna Gillis (Nave) Parris. She later shared her life with her husband, Jack Duffield, whom she married in Grove, Oklahoma, and together they built a life centered on family, faith, and community. A great-great-granddaughter of Cherokee Chief John Ross, she carried her Wolf Clan heritage with pride.

She was a devoted member of Park Hill Presbyterian Church, where she had been a member since 1936 and faithfully served as an elder. Fannie loved visiting with her friends and never turned down a good trip to the casino. She enjoyed reading her Bible and listening to country and western music. Each year, she took her place at the southwest corner of the courthouse, greeting family and friends during Cherokee Holiday. She believed in staying busy, staying connected, and enjoying life right up until the end.

Fannie attended and later taught at Owen School in Park Hill. She graduated from Tahlequah High School in 1945, earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Northeastern State University in 1950, and went on to complete her master’s degree in counseling in 1976. Her career in education and service spanned many years and began at Scraper Schools, her first teaching position. Over the years, she also taught at Inola, Kellyville, Quapaw, and Owen School in Park Hill. She worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and served students and families through Seneca Indian School in Wyandotte, Oklahoma; Grove Public Schools; Jay Public Schools; and the Muskogee-Talihina Agency. After her years in the classroom, she continued her service by working as a medical billing clerk for the Indian Health Service Area Office.

Fannie is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Duffield; her parents, Johnson “Chump” and Joanna Parris; her brothers, Flo M. Parris, Mose E. Parris, Thomas J. Parris, Carl M. Parris, Robert B. Parris, and Ben W. Parris; and her sisters, Mary L. Parris Aulgur and Emma J. Parris; and son-in-law William (Bill) Richardson.

She is survived by her son, Benny Earl Haggard and his wife Kay; her daughter, Dolly Ann Richardson; her grandchildren, Holly Sheppard, Ian Richardson, Stephanie Haggard Freelen, Sara Haggard Munoz, and Bryan Haggard; and her great-grandchildren, Robert B. Holderbee, Brooklyn Mae Drywater, Tyler Hall, Natalie Hall, Isaac W. Richardson, and Mila R. Munoz; great-great-grandchildren, Oliver R. Drywater, and Nalajia D. Holderbee, a special niece, Brenda K. Dexter; and a long time friend, Sharon Dawes, along with a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Fannie will be remembered for her lifelong dedication to education, her faith, her love for people, and her steady, generous presence in the lives of those who knew her.