Juanita Parrish

Juanita Kay Parrish was born on June 18, 1939, in Little Rock, Arkansas to her parents, Lee Parrish and Mary Sabbs Parrish. She was the third child born in the family.  She was raised surrounded by her sisters, Deloris, Marie, and her brother, Jack.  As a child, she enjoyed dancing and working with her mom.

She received her formal education in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she graduated from high school.

Juanita later wed. Johnnie C. Collette.  He preceded her in death.  She was the proud mother of sons, Dwight, Darryl. Antoine, Johnnie, Brinkley, Khelley, and daughters, Shelley, and Juanita.  She was a loving and devoted mother, who took great pride and joy in the care and nurture of her family.  She was later blessed with twenty-eight grandchildren; thirty-two great grandchildren; and one great, great grandchild, who all were an additional source of joy and pride in her life.

Juanita was employed as a Nurses Aid.  She was hard-working and performed her duties with a spirit of excellence.

Some of civic activities include being a member of the Order of Easter Stars.  She was a fun-loving woman, who enjoyed life and those she encircled.  In her free time, she enjoyed polishing brass and going thrift store shopping.  He closest friend, Mary Casey will miss the special moments they shared together and the fact that she was a true and trusted friend.  She will be missed but never forgotten.  Juanita, “The Original OG.”

Juanita Kay Parrish departed this life on June 7, 2021, in Denver, Colorado.  Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include 5 sons, Dwight E. Parrish, Darryl Parrish, Johnnie C. (Debra) Collette, Brinkley C. Collette, and Khelley C. (Angela) Collette; 2 daughters, Shelley C. Collette (Greg Scott), and Juanita C. Ragsdale; 1 brother, Jack E. Douglas; 28 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; 1 great, great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.