Mary Ellen Turner was born on August 24, 1940, in Round Pond, Arkansas to the late Cater and Carrie Virginia (Smith) Turner. To this union, four children were born. Mary was the last of sixteen children in the family.
Mary was educated in the public school system in Arkansas and later attended, Cotton Boll Vo-Tech where she studied to be a Nurse Aide.
At an early age, Mary confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior on August 28, 1954; and she was baptized on September 7, 1954, at Brooks Chapel in Lambrook, Arkansas; under the leadership of the late Rev. Meeks.
She moved to Blytheville, Arkansas in 1962 where she married her childhood friend, John Robert Parnell. To this union, five daughters were born: Vivian Lee, Sandy Gail, Carolyn Ann, Michele Renee, and Shyvone Elaine. John and Mary bought their first home where they would raise their family.
Mother Parnell loved the Lord and was always in fellowship. She attended and joined the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor P. J. James; later she fellowshipped and joined, True Light Missionary Baptist Church under the Leadership of the late Pastor O. W. Weaver. Mother Mary Parnell moved with Pastor Weaver to assist with the opening of, Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church where she served on Usher Board #1 and in the choir. After Pastor Weaver passed away, Mother Parnell continued to serve her Lord and remained at Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Mark Weaver. She continued her service to the Lord under the leadership of Pastor Burton Furlow at New Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church. She will be fondly remembered as, "Nanny" and for her love of the Lord. Mother Mary Ellen Parnell was very kind and loving. She also was quite funny and enjoyed laughing. Mary Ellen Parnell was a member of The Golden Girls.
Mother Mary Ellen Parnell wanted EVERYONE in the entire WORLD, to know the goodness of the Lord. Making sure to let everyone she met know how she felt about God, always witnessing and praising God.
Mother Parnell relocated to Denver, Colorado from Arkansas in 2001 to be near her daughters and grandchildren. Soon after coming to Denver, she joined Bethel C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of the late Bishop Ed Holmes . After the pastor passed away Mother Parnell joined Our Faith Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Luther Whately. Mother's last service was with Central Baptist Church under Pastor Dr. Henry L. Armington, Jr.
Mother Parnell is survived by three daughters: Sandy Parnell-McDonald, Michelle (Maurice) Parnell-Hoskins, Shyvone Parnell-Cooks; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; a host of other children in Love; other relatives and many loving friends.
Mother Parnell will be deeply missed, she is preceded in death by her husband, John Robert Parnell; two daughters: Vivian Lee Parnell, Carolyn Ann Parnell-Smith, her grandson Adrian Bernard Brown.
..."we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8
Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. Psalm 136:3-4
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhighland.com for the Parnell family.
