Shirley Batten Parrish

Shirley Batten Parrish, age 88, peacefully entered into the arms of Jesus on May 16, 2023 at her home in Portsmouth. Shirley was the oldest of three daughters born to John Batten and Lucy Batten Raines in Johnston County, NC. She graduated from Selma High School on June 1, 1953 and went on to marry Billy Parrish on June 12, 1953. Shirley and Billy celebrated 66 loving years of marriage before his death in 2019. Together they had three children: Larry, Shirley Jean and Darlene. Shirley was a faithful member of Highland Baptist Church for 60 years! You didn’t have to be around Shirley long to know her sweet, kind-hearted and gracious spirit. She delighted in gardening, flowers, country vegetables, cardinals and coupons. Shirley was a bus driver for Portsmouth Public Schools for 28 years before retiring in 1997 to care for the first of her grandchildren, Courtney. Seven years later, her only grandson Dylan was born. And just as he was entering preschool, the baby granddaughter Kendall was born. Shirley enjoyed being a part of their lives. She loved them, cared for them and was a major part in their up-bringing. Shirley was predeceased by her parents, her husband Billy, five brothers-in-law: Douglas Parrish, Lebert Parrish, Tink Parrish, Donald Jones and Marshall Holloman; two sisters-in-law: Grace and Sue Parrish. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her but especially by her son, Larry Parrish and wife Linda; her daughter, Shirley Chetister and husband Harry; and her daughter, Darlene Tanner and her husband Jack; her grandchildren Courtney Chetister, Dylan and Kendall Tanner; her sisters, Dorothy Holloman and Janet “Rose” Jones; her sister-in-law Hersey Mae Parrish. She was sweet “Aunt Shirley” to Gary Parrish (Connie), Brenda Placenti (Joey), Johnny Parrish (Susan), Thomas Parrish (Tina), Bobby Holloman (Debbie), Ricky Holloman (Jonah), John “Worth” Jones, Janet Tucker (Norman), Christi Brubaker and many great and great-great nieces and nephews. Her Pastor Kevin Wilson (Robin), Highland Baptist Church family, Highland Park neighbors (Garfield, Carol, Dawn, Connie) and special family friends: Edna Whitt, David and Linda Mason, Bob Hollister, Chris Heilman, Nancy Ward, Gail Raynor, Ellen Tucker, Ruby Kelly, Mindy Thevenin, Temple Baptist Church Sunshine Club members, Jerry and Joy Greco and Pastor Watson Morgan. The family wishes to thank Dr. Krishnagiri, Churchland Internal Medicine staff and Sentara Home Care staff for the exceptional care they provided Shirley. A funeral service will be held at Loving Funeral Home on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 2 pm with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Kevin Wilson and Pastor Watson Morgan are conducting the service. A private burial will take place at a later time.