I come from a family of tradesmen, each with his own skill who shared them without reservation. They are my Uncles, but each was as much a father to me as my Dad Renny whose Father was a carpenter and builder of homes. Vernon the mechanic, Mont the plumber, James the painter, and Bill the electrician.  My Father was the one man who tied all these skills together and passed them on to my Brother and I. We all got our love of travel and adventure from him. We learned the value of family, manhood, and friendship through being with him. He rarely ever entered a room and left without making a friend. So, if you had him in your life even for the briefest of moments, you came away a better person for it. I know I did.

In The Name Of God The Most Gracious The Most Merciful 
God’s plan and His will are both perfect and inexorable. Proof of this perfection lies in the union of Rennie and Betsy Parris. Living in an era of virulent and institutionalized racism, only a precious few had the strength and fortitude to win through. Rennie Parris was one of those extraordinary few. He overcame every adversity, surmounted every obstacle, traversed every trial and tribulation and broke down every barrier. And he did so with Betsy by his side, and four children in their care.
Rennie and Betsy Parris are heroes because even though they are gone their legacy lives on. Their deeds are eternally preserved. To those of us who knew and loved them, they are legends. No folktale, fable or unabridged biography may encompass the grandeur of their lives. Though it is Rennie we bury, it would be a disservice to his memory to separate him from Betsy. So even in this farewell, I would not split asunder what God brought together. 
I am honored to be of their progeny. Muslim, Bailey or Parris makes no difference. If nobility is a right of blood and genes, then royalty abounds, for Rennie was a King and Betsy a Queen. 
Family..  it filled my lungs and coursed through my veins. It possessed my limbs and suffused my soul. In their presence I was filled with the bounty of love as the verdant earth flourishes under the abundant energy of the sun.  Granny’s hugs and kisses watered within me the gardens of goodness. Grandpa’s smiles and wisdom banished clouds of uncertainty, and let in rays of hope and security.  Rennie and Betsy embodied it.  Though filled with grief, family has gathered confirming the strength of their Patriarch even in death. I urge you all, as you lay Rennie down to lift up the ties of kinship. Honor and embrace their memory by living their legacy and fulfilling their tenet. Family is forever. I love you all. Peace Be Upon You. Shahid Muslim


This was Dad’s train route that he drove during his years with NYC Transit.

93 years is a good life.  Rasheeda, I know that the time you had with him seems to have flown by, but you are blessed to have him for the length of time that you did.  Cuz, I send my condolences to you and yours.  I  love you. 
Regina 

To my dear sister Rasheeda and her family,

My deepest condolences to you all. Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experience that we all must face in this life, but what makes it easier is our faith and the memories that we had with them. I never had a chance to meet Mr. Parris but felt like I knew him since Rasheeda shared so much with us about him. I could tell from the way she cared for him and showed concern that they were very close. Fathers and daughters do have a special connection and it was manifested in her actions remarkably. May God bless you and your family with peace and comfort.



Another good soul is gone from my life.
I have known pop since I was 9 years old (1954). When I was 22, he trusted his daughter into my care and he became my father-in- law. I am now 74 years old, and my memories of him are consistently pleasant from the first time I saw him and his family in their new ford station wagon in front of his father's house, to my last conversation with him. I feel a sincere, deep, profound loss. He was an EXCELLENT father-in-law. 
Another good soul is gone from my life. 
Another good soul is gone from our lives.
Abdullah Muslim

To my dearly beloved friend Rasheedah and her family, my deepest and sincere condolence to you and your family.   I will cherish the heartfelt memories that I have of your dad and the hospitality that your family showed to me and my family on my many visits  I wish I was there with you all
 Inna lilahi wa inna lilayhi rajeeun Ameen May Allah (SWT) give the family the strength and peace of mind to get through this time of Sorrow Ameen

I met Mr. and Mrs. Paris in Central Islip, NY. As Allah planned my daughter married their grandson Ibrahim. The newly married couple lived with Mr. and Mrs. Paris. My daughter Baiyina was welcomed into this household with love, kindness and caring. They were fiercely protective of her and shared their secrets for a long term marriage. It wasn’t until years later we discovered that my father and “Renny”, knew each other in Bayside Queens. In addition to this remarkable  fact my mother lived on the same street as the Paris family in the 1940’s.
Mr. Paris was a good friend to my dad up until he passed away in 2016. They would spend hours reminiscing about their old neighborhood and friends long forgotten.  Listening to them laughing about the past was a show in and of itself. 
My fondest memories of Mr. and Mrs. Paris are when they were together. She stayed fussing with him while he winked at his audience to make sure his pranks didn’t go unappreciated. 
One weekend my son in law Ibrahim brought them to my home with strict dietary regulations for both of them. I had spoken to Mrs. Paris prior to their trip and her request from me was fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and collard greens. They sat on my couch and enjoyed the contraband luncheon, to Ibrahim’s worry.
They are loved, special and will be missed. I pray that the family will always honor and cherish the legacy that this couple has left behind. 

   My name is Nabil Muslim  i am the eldest child of Rasheedah Muslim the eldest child Mr.Reynard and Betsy Parris.  As a teenager i was blessed with the choice to stay with my grandparents for highschool and was fortunate enough  to receive two different types of education, one of basic academics and the other which was far more important. My grandfather didn't  talk much but showed me a lot, on how to be a gentleman and woodwork, He always said don't  worry about money just build your skills and reputation the money comes and goes but your reputation and skill will remain constant, and if you master yourself everything falls in line. The time i was able to spend  with my grandparents are some of my fondest memories, worth more than gold. Hope i was a good grandson.
 LOVE YOU 
POPS

Hi I'm Najla Raseedah's friend. My prayers go out to her and the family. I'm so happy that Raseedah got the blessed opportunity to care for her Mother and her father in their later year's. I didn't get to meet Poppy in person but I did get to say hello in a video chat. I pray that God will put ease and contentment in your hearts and this will be a beautiful day filled with great memories and love. Ameen!❤ love you Raseedah😘 

Betsy and Renny were my other parents when I was in high school in Flushing, New York.  Betsy and I talked about everything.  Renny was a source of wisdom, humor and encouragement.  I will always cherish those memories.

Thank you for sharing I realized we had so much  in   common. My father retired from the Navy and preferred to settle in the south. 
May Allah bless the survivors to remember the times you shared that shall comfort you in knowing your blessings.May you learn wisdom from him . And may you learn deeds that you are able to pass as tradition to the future. Thank Allah for the opportunity that you had a beautiful relationship with him in your adulthood which is so rare in this day and time. Time will heal your pain of loss. Just Ask Allah to give you the strength and the patience to make it through the day.

My name is Amatullah Muqita AbdulQadir.  I am a recent friend of the family. I was blessed to be able to spend quality time with Mr Poppy, as he and his dear daughter Rasheedah,  allowed  me to visit their home as a stop-over guest.  I had come to attend an annual Muslim sisters event.  Each time our SASS TEA was a spectacular experience, inspiring speakers gave enlightenment and cause to ponder "what will be the impact of your time on Earth, what will you leave of benefit?" 
Powerful inspiration indeed, I was set off thinking about longevity, and because at that time I had already outlived both my parents and all their siblings that I knew. Mr Poppy and then Aunt Gladys gave me a chance to speak with persons with history in a intimate personal setting.  I will be forever grateful for the opportunities this man gave me to look into a few aspects of his life in these United States and especially Black family life that they don't show on TV.  Thank you, Mr Poppy.    

As Salaamu Alaikum Rasheeda,  I will be praying for your Dad and the family.
May God be please with Mr. Poppy and open the gates of paradise for him. Ameen
Your Sister in Islam from Philadelphia.  Love always 

Ray was very special to me and it was an honor and a blessing for me to be able to care for him and share part of his life with him. Ray has a beautiful family whom he dearly loved.  He is now reunited with his wife Betsy. It say in 2 Corinthians 5:8 to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. I will never forget my time with Ray. Each and everyday is a gift and my time with Ray was a gift to me.
LOVE, Kimberly Reublin

Linda, Reggie, and family, 
My sincere condolences and prayers are extended to you all. May the memories of your Dad bring you much comfort
during this very difficult time.

Blessings!
Deb~

We shared good times at your home in Flushing,  NY. May you all know the peace and comfort of God's love.

Linda, I am sorry for your loss.   I see him in your eyes, in your face, in you.  May all of you find peace in the days ahead.

Uncle (cousin) Renny will be missed and we will always remember our family visits growing up and all the fun we had with Uncle Renny’s humor and conversation.
Love , Cousin Beverly 

I will remember his heart his wit and his smile. The last time I spoke with him we talked about the  wounder of that particular sunny day. God bless him I know so many arms received him on March 11th. I could just image those smiling brown eyes. Rest uncle and then begin the next chapter. Love June parris and daughter Nicole Woolaston

Uncle/Cousin Renny was my cousin but we always saluted him as Uncle Renny because the title Cousin just wasn’t “enough “. My Uncle Renny and Aunt Betsy were ever present in my life. When I called to talk to one, I would always talk to both of them. I only got to visit them one time in Florida but that visit I will always cherish because it was wonderful. After the passing of Aunt Betsy, I would talk just to Uncle Renny. He always made me laugh and feel good about things. Uncle Renny, you will be missed. 
Love, Geri and Carey

He was my grandfather, the most funniest man I know.  He has taught me many things as far as just life lessons alone. Everytime I watch our favorite baseball teams play,  I'm gonna think of you.. He loved the NY Mets.. 😊❤ You will always be in my heart and truly missed.. This is hard for me.. 😪 He may not have been my biological granddaughter, but he never treated me any different.  Love him always ..❤ 
Nadya 

My Dad had a long career with the New York City Transit Authority. We accompanied him on a Caribbean cruise with his fellow members of the NYC Transit Authority  Retirees Club. The attachment is a tribute to his career and active club membership.

My dad was one of everyone's favorite uncles, to quote  my many cousins. He was of course my one and only favorite Dad! I am sustained by so many good memories of him. I give him credit for my sense of humor and my love of jazz. He is forever present in me and in mine.    

Ray and Betsy Parris were our neighbors for many years. Betsy shared a birthday with Richard and would be delighted when we brought her a card every year to celebrate. Ray was a charming man with a sense of humor which you could see in his eyes before he spoke. A kind,  gentle person with a great love of chocolate!  We're proud to know and love the entire wonderful Parris "Clan" and were always sorry Ray and Betsy had to move from our neighborhood due to ill health. 

Our condolences to everyone on losing such lovely parents - who left you with a great legacy.

OBITUARY

Reynard Parris

November 25, 1925 – March 11, 2019

Life Event Center at Florida Memorial Gardens

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