Obituaries

Cookie Parrish

Photo of Cookie Parrish Photo of Cookie Parrish
Cookie Parrish, 78, of Fayetteville passed away Monday, Nov. 12, 2018. She was born July 11, 1940 in Greenwood, La., to Byron Floyd Sr. and Louise Alexander Dodez Cook. Cookie was a much beloved and dedicated first grade teacher at Root Elementary School in Fayetteville for 23 years. Through many moves and colleges she patiently pursued her degree and proudly graduated from Glassboro State College (Rowan College) in New Jersey in 1974 while her two boys watched. A Master Gardener who volunteered all over town she and David graciously toured over 300 visitors through the grounds at their home (the Big House) on Cedar Hill. Passionate about tennis she played for the competition (as long as her knees allowed) and the friends it brought into her life. Friends she clung to over the years and who clung to her in the end. Mom's best days were sunny and warm in the garden with her dogs and over the years she adopted many happy, wagging, spoiled dogs. She gave much more than she ever took. When we were sad she would love on us, but not too much. Years later, when we would call, she would rush to the phone, breathless and smiling, no matter what, "Son! How are you?" She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Alice Cook VanAlstyne; two brothers, Byron "Sonny" Cook; and her twin, Jerry Cook. She is survived by her husband of 27 years, David Parrish; two sons from a previous marriage, Chuck Hammons and wife Amy of Overland Park, Kan., Michael Hammons and wife Michelle of Tulsa, Okla.; two sisters, Laurine Cook Juhl and Donna Cook Bass, both of Shreveport, La.; brother, Louis Cook of Shreveport; and four devoted grandchildren, Jack Hammons, Max Hammons, Lauren Hammons Crooks and Lexi Hammons. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Moore's Chapel in Fayetteville. Memorial service will be 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 at First Christian Church, 220 N. College Ave., Fayetteville, Ark. 72701. To place online tributes please visit her obituary at https://www.mooresfuneralchapel.com/. In lieu of flowers Cookie would have loved for you to make a contribution to the Ozark Humane Society https://hsozarks.org/in-memory-of.

Published November 25, 2018

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