Mother Stella Mae Mason Parson

A Legendary Life of Excellence

Stella Parson is the first Black woman to graduate from any Nevada college (UNR, 1952). She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English; minors in Education/ Psychology; Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy (UNLV, 1988). She has been a member of the Nevada Church of God in Christ (COGIC) for 73 years, making her the state matriarch.

Stella was born on November 18, 1929, on a plantation in Lake, Mississippi. Her parents, Fred and Matilda Mason, were sharecroppers who “stole” their children off the plantation. Stella’s story of the great escape and how her family pioneered Las Vegas is one of courage, perseverance, hope, and faith in God. This amazing story has been told on television, radio, in classrooms, churches, newspapers, internet and other public settings.

The first in her family to graduate high school, she took a job as a maid. Her employer was so impressed with her tireless work ethic that she arranged for her organization, the American Association of University Women, to offer Stella a scholarship to attend college.

Stella worked her way through school serving the steam tables and as a domestic. There had never been a black student-teacher so special arrangements had to be made. In 1952, Stella made history as she crossed the stage at UNR and received her degree.

After 33 years of award –winning teaching (Outstanding Elementary Teachers of America, Who’s Who Among American Teachers, and Teacher of the Year), Stella retired and enrolled in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at UNLV. She earned her Master of Arts degree in 1988, at the age of 59, and founded the Vegas View COGIC Counseling Center.

Stella received a multiplicity of awards and commendations. Some more notable ones are the UNR Presidential Medalist Award, Al Sharpton’s Action Network Woman of the Year, M. L. K. Jr. Woman of Achievement, and the Urban Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Nevadan Award. To honor her and her husband (Married in 1953), ascended Pastor Claude H. Parson Jr. (Integration Specialist and School Administrator) for their dedicated community service and devotion to education, a public elementary school was named in their honor.

In 1965, she and her husband founded the Vegas View COGIC. To date, over 50 ministries have been birthed worldwide from this great legacy. Mother Parson has served in almost every position in her local church including Women’s Department Supervisor, Counseling Director, Sunday School/ Bible College Instructor and Prayer Warrior. She also served in the capacities of District Missionary, First State YPWW Chairlady, and Assistant State Supervisor. In 2013, Bishop Leon Smith chose Mother Parson to be Jurisdictional Supervisor but she declined due to failing health. A believer in true holiness and personal excellence, she still serves as counselor/advisor to pastors, Supervisors, Bishops, and lay persons locally and nationally.

The Parsons had three children; Evangelist Jacqueline Parson-Barker (Ed.D), Pastor Naida M. Parson (Ph. D), and Elder Claude H. Parson III (ascended); seven grandchildren, all saved with advanced degrees; and four great-grands.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Downtown Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.