Margaret Smith Parrish

Margaret Smith Parrish, 91, died May 26, 2016, at her home in Birmingham. She was surrounded by her children singing hymns of worship in Birmingham, Alabama, and now rests peacefully with her Lord and Savior and a host of dear family and friends. Margaret was born September 27, 1924 in Birmingham, Alabama to Ralph Burnett and Lucy Aston Smith as their only child. The family lived in the Fountain Heights community, owning and running the R.B. Smith Grocery until 1969. Margaret loved music and traveled with the Forbes Accordion Band from childhood to college. Upon graduation from Phillips High School, Margaret attended David Lipscomb College in Nashville, TN and has remained an active alumna and supporter. Upon graduation, she returned to Birmingham, working for Gulf Oil as a bookkeeper. In 1946 she met John Wesley Parrish of Maben, Mississippi, and they were married within six months in June of 1947. John was one of nine children, all of whom became Margaret’s brothers and sisters, with three surviving to this day. Margaret and John started John W. Parrish Structural Detailers, Inc. in 1953 and North Alabama Fabricating Company, Inc. in 1967. John ran the companies and Margaret kept the books, which she continued to do for JWPCO till 2010 when she retired at the age of 86. Margaret never worked outside the home in order to raise her family. She continued her music by singing and performing choreography with the Sweet Adelines. Margaret lived her life serving the Lord in all aspects, attending West End Church of Christ, Central Church of Christ, Homewood Church of Christ, and Palisades Church of Christ. She was generous to share the first fruits, which God provided for her to steward. She cherished her friendships and those who worked with the family companies. She enjoyed entertaining, traveling, spending time on Smith Lake, serving others, playing cards, and celebrating any and all occasions with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Margaret is predeceased by her father, mother, husband, and son-in-law Roger Smith. She leaves behind her children Lucynda Smith of Birmingham (Roger), Wesley Zeanah of Decatur (Jack), Kathy Parrish of Chelsea, Ralph Parrish of Vestavia Hills (Lynn). Eight grandchildren, Shannon Buchannan, Kristi Smith, Jason Smith (Kim), Kristen Zeanah (Eileen), Kelley Prendergast (Adam), Tiffany Rainbolt (Craig), Owen Parrish (Courtney), Melissa Parrish and nine great grandchildren, the last of which was born last week and she was graced by God to hold on Wednesday. Her family wishes to publicly thank her caregivers for their precious care of Margaret and all her dear friends, especially those at Chateau Vestavia. In lieu of flowers, gifts of love in her honor are welcomed anywhere, but especially Rainbow Omega and Lipscomb University. The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 29, 2016 at Palisades Church of Christ from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral Services will be on Monday, May 30, 2016 at the Palisades Church of Christ at 2:00 pm with interment at Elmwood Cemetery. Rick Kaufhold officiating.