Carrie Elmore Parrish

Carrie Elmore Parrish of Raleigh, NC died peacefully Monday, November, 25, 2013 at the Hospice of Wake County facility in Raleigh.She was born in Henrietta, NC on May 17, 1917, daughter of the late Charles and Mary Lewis Elmore. While working at NC State University, she met and married the late Lt. Col. Edward B. Parrish. She is survived by her four children: daughters, Kay Elmore Retan of Williamsburg, VA; Barbara Parrish Guth of Indian Trail, NC; Mary Elizabeth Parrish Fitch and her husband, Danny of Clayton, NC and son Edward Bennett Parrish III (Chip) and his wife, Sheree of Chesapeake, VA. Her seven grandchildren include: Randy Retan and wife, Lisa of Williamsburg, VA; Derek Retan of Williamsburg, VA; David Guth and his wife, Chloe of Charlotte, NC; Brian and Kevin Fitch of Clayton, NC; Geoffrey and Bryce Parrish of Philadelphia, PA; and two great grandchildren: Hunter and Katie Retan of Williamsburg, VA. From a small town in western N.C. to Raleigh, NC, she went on to travel around the world as the wife of a career Army officer. She embraced each new post as an adventure and made each house a home. She was a lifelong learner who shared her love of reading with her children and friends. When she and her late husband returned to Raleigh, she added to her love of books by managing the Book Department at the Village Book & Stationery Store in Cameron Village. Raleigh was her home. She loved its history and the changes that were transforming the city. She will be missed deeply by her family and friends whether it was for her quick wit, feisty spirit - persevere she would say, or chat on her front porch. The family extends its appreciation for the friendship and kindness of the staff at Abbotswood at Stonehenge, and for the wonderfully compassionate care she received from the staffs at The Cancer Center of Raleigh, and Hospice of Wake County. We will also be forever grateful for the love and prayers of so many. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 1pm, Saturday, November 30, 2013, Bryan-Lee Funeral Homes, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC. She will be interred with her late husband at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Hospice of Wake County, 5980 Trinity Road, Raleigh, NC 27607 or online at www.hospiceofwake.org.