In Loving
Memory

Obituary message

Billie Parrish, 84, of Richmond, passed away March 18, 2017 in Richmond, Virginia.
Visitation will be held at Affinity Funeral Home 2720 Enterprise Parkway Richmond, VA 23294 on March 22, 2017 from 5-7 P.M.

A graveside burial service will be held at Greenwood Memorial Gardens – 12609 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, Virginia on March 23, 2017 at Noon with Reverend Greg Webber of Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church officiating. A “Life Celebration” service and reception will follow at 1:30 at Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church – 2300 Dumbarton Rd. Richmond, Virginia 23228.

Billie was born in Norge, Virginia to Henry August Tyssen Sr. and Eleanor Mae Brekhus Tyssen on April 1, 1932. She went to high school at Toano High and graduated in 1949. While still in High School, she was one of the organist at Our Saviour’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norge, Virginia, a church her grandfather help build. After attending Business School she joined the work force and upon marriage in 1951 she began the full time role of homemaker. A move to Henrico County allowed the children to grow up in the Glen Lea and Henrico High School district. The family attended Fairmount Memorial Baptist Church as well as Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church throughout the years. She enjoyed singing in the church choir, she was a duck pin bowling champion, played board games with the family, a collector of teddy bears (all shapes and sizes!), a dedicated and strong supporter of her children’s extracurricular activities, and making “Big Mama’s Fudge” as gifts every Christmas.

Billie is preceded in death by her parents; one brother Henry August Tyssen Jr; four sisters Dorothy Opheim, Madge Bingley, Esther Marshall, and Rachel Greenleaf. She is also preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Helen Robinson Parrish. Billie is survived by her sister Eleanor Mae Honeycutt of Chase City; Jane Weilert (Tom) of Rochester, NY; son Steve of Chesapeake; daughter Beverly Fullerton of Midlothian; son Dennis (Donna) of Grand Prairie, TX; and son Terry (Donna) of Plano, TX; ten grandchildren Kyle, Kenny, Jessica, Christopher, Andrew, Kelcy, Laura, Rachel, Annah and Jena, and three great grandchildren Landon, Adelyn, and Charlie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Billie Parrish at any time to the Hatcher Memorial Baptist Benevolence fund. Address: Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church, 2300 Dumbarton Road, Richmond, VA 23228. Please mark your check accordingly.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the supportive caregivers and the countless friends and neighbors who provided love and prayers during her final days. She is now HOME FREE and singing in the alto section of that Heavenly Choir!