Theresa Ross Parrish

Theresa Pearl Ross Parrish, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, May 17, 2026, age 79, at her home in Glenwood, Arkansas, with her family by her side. 

 Born on July 28, 1946, in Bisbee, Arizona, Theresa was the second of five children born to Raymond Jefferson Ross Sr., and Marilynn Brooks Ross. She spent her childhood between her grandparents’ home in Bisbee, Arizona, and her parents’ home in Bellflower, California.

 In 1964, she graduated from La Mirada High School, California, where she met her future husband, Johnce Lyle Parrish. The two acted in plays together, and through the years would occasionally put on impromptu theatrical performances, singing and dancing and getting many laughs at family gatherings. Theresa won a scholarship to the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse, but unable to meet all costs, attended Cerritos College instead. With their flair for the dramatic, Theresa and Johnce married on Halloween, 1965, a date that was thereafter commemorated by face-painting, dressing up, and general family fun.

 While living first in California, Theresa had 5 daughters. Although a full-time mother, she attended Rio Hondo Community College and honed her ceramic skills. In 1979, the family moved to Murfreesboro, Arkansas, to be near her father, Ray Ross and beloved stepmother, Lola Ross. While living in Murfreesboro, Theresa and Johnce had 2 more children, this time sons, while transforming the property with beds of terraced flowers. In 1986, Theresa continued the family tradition of working at newspapers, and began building ads for The Glenwood Herald, where her father had been owner and editor. Theresa eventually became the Advertising Editor who broke the Herald record for the most ads sold and earned the highest salary through her commissions.

 In the early 2000s, Theresa and Johnce purchased and moved into the house previously owned by her father and stepmother in Glenwood. Later, a life-long learner, Theresa continued her education at National Park Community College, in Hot Springs, unsurprisingly earning ‘A’s. In her retirement, she dedicated herself to gardening the large property, and caring for family and friends. She was famous for bouquets created with flowers from her own garden, and delivered by Johnce to friends all over.

 While it was well-known that Theresa’s husband, Johnce, was a talented and prolific artist, most people did not realize that Theresa was also an artist, who could not only produce life-like sketches, but who could also make pottery, landscape gardens, arrange flowers, and decorate interiors with an aptitude to challenge any expert in design. Beauty was evident in everything she did, from her careful cursive writing to her gift wrapping to her table decor and terrariums. Any visitor to her home could not fail to notice that artists lived there, as fascinating objects adorned every surface. This artistry also shone through her storytelling, both verbal and written: she held audiences rapt at family gatherings, regaling them with vignettes of spider encounters; her letters to friends and family were beloved; and she spoke of plans to one day submit stories to Reader’s Digest.

 Theresa’s life was defined by her devotion to family and community. Theresa’s more reserved and quiet-spirited personality balanced out her husband’s more flamboyant nature, and she was committed to always seeing the best in people and giving them the benefit of the doubt. Her Catholic school upbringing and previous employment as a telephone customer service representative contributed to her meticulous good manners and unfailing politeness in every social situation. She was a nurturing and forgiving person who delighted in small children and who made life-long friends. She was a calm and helpful presence wherever she was, and a talented and devoted mother admired by everyone who knew her. Theresa’s legacy of love, compassion, and resilience through hard times will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

 Theresa was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Johnce Lyle Parrish, and by 3 brothers: Jeff Ross, Greg Ross, and Ronald Ross. Theresa is survived by her sister, Diane Ross (Randy Parsley) of Winter Park, Florida, and seven children: Cindy Tinsey of St. Clair, Michigan; Elisabeth Parrish Eaton (Carl) of Doddridge, Arkansas; Maria Parrish-Eichman (Gregg) of Burleson, Texas; Catherine Parrish (Chris Fitter) of Merchantville, New Jersey; Rachel Parrish (Phil McKenna) of Cambridge, Massachusetts; Ian Parrish (Larissa) of Benton, Arkansas; and Justin Dru Parrish of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Theresa holds closely in her heart her daughter in spirit, Sarah Kesterson, and Sarah’s children Bell and Wilson. Theresa also leaves behind 17 grandchildren: Isaac Doggett (Jessica), Johnce Tyler Doggett (Ainslee), Julian Doggett, Jeffrey Parrish, Seth Batts (Samantha), Matthew Parrish-Eichman, John Parrish-Eichman, Sarah Parrish-Eichman, Christian Parrish-Eichman, Sophia Fitter, Michael Fitter, Julian Fitter, Finnegan McKenna, Talia McKenna, Emerson Parrish, Duncan Parrish, and Roman Parrish; five great-grandchildren; 11 nieces and nephews; numerous extended family; and many friends who became like family.

 Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday, May 30th, 2026, 2-4 pm, at the Smith Family Funeral Home, 209 N 3rd St., Glenwood, AR 71943, and to share stories of the love and the fun that characterized Theresa. An open reception for all friends and family will follow immediately at the Glenwood Senior Center. While the memorial service is at 2 pm, it will not start until 3 pm, because Theresa will be late!

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made towards funeral expenses:

 Venmo: @Catherine-Parrish-24     CashApp: $ElisabethEaton

 OR 

 Ian Parrish - 8171 Zuber Rd Benton, AR 72019