Sarah Elizabeth Parsons

Sarah Elizabeth Wood Parsons, a woman of remarkable strength, compassion, and resilience, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025, at 90. She was born on October 8, 1934, in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, as the youngest of four children of Sara and Harry Wood. Sarah grew up on the family farm alongside her brothers, Warren and William, and her sister, Martha. There, she learned the values of hard work and perseverance that would define her life.

Sarah was a proud graduate of Mt. Gilead High School and went on to study music at Otterbein University. Although she did not complete her formal studies in music, she maintained a lifelong love and devotion to the piano and music. After transferring to Ohio State University, she met her first husband, a young military man. Together, they began a journey that took them to Florida, Arizona, and eventually Texas. Their marriage brought Sarah her greatest joy: her four beloved children—Laura Hatfield (Myron), Karen McClurg (Brad), Barbara Townsend, and Raymond Charles Nellis (Kitty).

When Sarah's marriage ended, she faced one of the most significant challenges of her life: raising four children under the age of eight on her own. She returned to school with remarkable bravery and determination and earned her nursing degree from Texas Christian University (TCU). Later, she moved her family to Tyler, Texas, where she taught nursing and began building a new life. Despite the difficulties of those years, she prioritized her children and created a loving and happy home.

In Tyler, Sarah met the man who would become her life partner and greatest supporter: Kenneth Charles Parsons. Their union would last for over 50 years. Their marriage was more than a connection between two individuals; it was a family consolidation. Sarah and Kenneth raised her children as their own, creating a home filled with love, music, learning, and adventure.

Their journey eventually took them to Richardson, Texas, where both pursued their master's degrees—Sarah attended Texas Woman's University. The family moved several more times, living in Memphis, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. In each new city, Sarah continued to teach at the university level, demonstrating the importance of balancing motherhood with a career.

Sarah and Kenneth shared a deep love of the arts, culture, and travel, providing the family with many rich and varied experiences. Whether sailing, exploring National Parks, expanding their palettes with new and interesting cuisine, or learning about opera and ballet, they ensured the kid's childhood was full of learning and connectedness. All four children went on to graduate from college, a testament to the values of independence, education, and strength that Sarah instilled in them.

In retirement, Sarah and Kenneth chose Corpus Christi, Texas, as their base, from which they embarked on many wonderful years of adventure and travel, zigzagging around the world together. Eventually, they settled in Houston near their daughter, where Sarah spent her final years surrounded by love and care.

Kenneth preceded Sarah's death by two years. She is survived by her four children and her cherished grandchildren: Hayley Hatfield, Geena Roboski, Joshua Nellis, Michael McClurg, Morgan McClurg, Madison Copeland, William Townsend, and Samantha Townsend. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Theodore Roboski, Molly McClurg, Mayes McClurg, Cameron McClurg, and Skylar Copeland.

Sarah Parsons leaves a legacy of courage, compassion, and unwavering love. Her life was a testament to the power of perseverance and the beauty of a heart that always gave. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.