Mrs. Syble Maxine Parnell

Syble Maxine Smith Parnell passed away on January 4, 2019 in Pasadena,Texas at the age of 94. She was born in Wildhurst, Texas on November 5, 1924 to Lonnie Edward Smith and Vera (Bailey) Smith. Her parents and five siblings moved to Wells,TX where Syble lived until she married William M. Parnell in January 1940. The newlyweds lived for a time in Highlands, TX before moving to Channelview where William, Syble, and their three children resided until Syble moved to make her home at Colonial Oaks in August 2016.

As a strong dedicated Christian, Syble raised her three children to love and respect God and His church. She saw to the attendance of her children at church and to the salvation of each one. She loved to teach children's Sunday School Classes and continued to teach until she was ninety-one years old. She loved children and they loved her. She also looked forward to socializing and helping with the church garage sales. Syble remained a charter member of Memorial Baptist Church in Channelview. She was also a life member of the Order of Eastern Star in Channelview.

Syble also loved the outdoors. One of her greatest pleasures was working in her flower beds. Her azaleas and bridal wreath were the talk of Channelview in the spring. People would drive by and stop to admire the beauty of her flowers. Some would even take picture of the flowers. She enjoyed hunting during deer season. She was an accurate shot and even killed a deer one season when none of the other family members did. Dominos was a part of the hunting experience. When not out looking for deer, the family group enjoyed playing dominos and forty-two. Syble was an excellent player, and enjoyed socializing in this way.

Having married before completing her high school education, she was not deterred from pursuing and accomplishing her artistic goals. She worked her way through a cosmetology course and successfully passed the State Board exams to become a licensed hairdresser. She worked for many years in her converted garage beauty shop. this enabled her to look after her children and at the same time work with ladies with whom she enjoyed spending time with and socializing.

Along with her success as a hairdresser, Syble also expressed her artistic gifts through her oil paintings. She took painting lessons and demonstrated her love of the natural world in her painting landscapes and seascapes as well as flowers and birds. A number of her paintings were on display in her apartment at Colonial Oaks.

Syble's dedication to her family was evident by the gatherings on holidays; Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. She did not like cooking, however always prepared a delicious feast on each of these holidays. She never complained about the work involved with the preparation of these feasts, and all the family; children, spouses, grandchildren knew that they were not only welcome, but expected to be at her house on holidays.

Syble's life has been one of love, devotion, and accomplishment. She has set an exemplary example for her children, grandchildren, and others.

She is preceded in death by her husband William Parnell; son, Don Parnell, daughter, Donna Parnell Murphy; granddaughter, Misty Murphy; parents, Lonnie Smith and Vera Bailey Smith; brothers, Robert Martin "Buck" Smith, Leroy Smith, Billy Smith; and sister, Patricia Smith Glenn.

She is survived by her daughter Jean Parnell Koch; son-in-law, Edward Koch; grandchildren, Brenda Parnell,Bryan Koch, Kristie Johnson, Jennifer Wright, Jenny Koch; and 11 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Navarre Funeral Home on Monday, January 7, 2019. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at Memorial Baptist Church in Channelview, 15720, Proctor St., 77530. Interment will follow in San Jacinto Memorial Park, Houston, Texas.

In lieu of usual remembrances donations in memory of Syble may be made to Alzheimer's Association Capital of Texas Chapter, 5508 Hwy.290 W. Service Rd., Suite 206, Austin, TX 78735.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.navarrefuneralhome.com