Melinda Chistine Parrish Pearce, 69, of Tarpon Springs, FL, passed into the arms of our loving Savior at home on August 15, 2022. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, William Joseph Pearce.
Melinda “Chris” was born on October 12, 1952, in Bethesda, MD. She was born on Columbus Day and her middle name was given in honor of the explorer. The daughter of a naval officer, she moved often and experienced life around the world, including time in France and Japan. Chris enjoyed drama and singing as a teenager. She graduated from Wheaton High School (MD), where she performed in numerous stage productions. Chris attended Waynesburg University (PA) and graduated from Castleton College (VT). After traveling across the country as newlyweds, Chris and William “Bill” settled in Vermont, where they welcomed two daughters and enjoyed the outdoors. Later the family would move to Florida to be near Chris’s parents, and she helped to care for them as they aged. She loved Jesus and was involved in church as well as womens’ ministries. Chris found joy in caring for her husband, children, and home. One of her greatest joys was becoming a grandmother and she loved spending time with each of her grandchildren.
Chris is preceded in death by her father, Captain Harvey Scott Parrish, USN, Retired; and her mother, Emma Jean Woodall Parrish. She is survived by her two daughters, Emily Woodall O’Donnell and Stephanie Jean Markey; as well as her sister, Larraine Hope Higgs; and brother, Larry Scott Parrish. Her legacy lives on in her ten grandchildren: Daphne, Katie, George, Phoebe, Mira, Laurence, Melody, Sophia, Lucille, and Noelle.
She was laid to rest at Oak Hill Burial Park in Lakeland, FL, the hometown and resting place of both of her parents. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 11:00am at Keystone Bible Church, Odessa, FL.
Carolyn Touchton
August 22, 2022, 10:35 pm
What a gift to the world! Chris shared the love of Christ Jesus wherever she went. I am one of the many honored friends who had the pleasure of knowing and loving Chris. Bill, Emily and Steffie, you and your family are in our continuous prayers.
Esther Smith
August 23, 2022, 12:01 am
We wish we could be there to help celebrate. Chris made an impact on MANY people in her life. I will never forget the many weeks we spent in prayer with her and Bill and other couples. She has made a Hugh impact on this lady here. I can not imagine the crowns she has to place before her Savior feet……
Jim & Deb Phinney
August 23, 2022, 12:46 am
We throughly enjoyed our visit with Chris and Bill, during our stays in Florida. Many, many pleasant memories with lots of laughter. We appreciated your care, and friendship with our daughter, Lisa at Clearwater Christian College. Love, Jim & Deb Phinney
Robert Lebel
August 23, 2022, 1:14 am
Sincere condolences from the LEBEL family with love and prayers.
Hugs to you all.
Bob & Deb
Kandis Fernandez
August 23, 2022, 1:17 pm
So sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady. Wish I could have said good bye. May peace and comfort be with the family.
Jeannie & Bob Bingham
August 23, 2022, 2:40 pm
So sorry for your loss and pray peace for you all knowing she is with The Lord.
A truly wonderful, kind Christian lady it was our privilege to meet, left a legacy of love and light in the world. If you need anything Bill, call us, we love you. Bob & Jeannie Bingham
Luanne Hurst
August 23, 2022, 3:58 pm
I remember Chris’s sweet spirit, her hospitality, her love for her family, her joy over the arrival of each grandchild, and her love for her Lord. What a wonderful legacy she has! May the Lord continue to give grace, comfort, and peace to Bill, Emily, and Stephanie as well as to all of her extended family and friends.
gary cooper
August 24, 2022, 5:51 am
MY SINCEREST HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THE PEARCE AND PARRISH FAMILIES AND ALL THEIR RELATIVES. I MET CHRIS AND BILL AT A NAVY REUNION IN TUCSON (2012?). IT WAS AT A REUNION WITHIN THE REUNION WHICH WAS FOR THOSE WHO HAD SERVED IN JAPAN AND ALSO FOR THOSE WHO HAD SERVED WITH CAPTAIN PARRISH DURING HIS CAREER, CHRIS AND BILL HAD PERSUADED HER FATHER TO MAKE THE TRIP FROM FLORIDA TO ARIZONA. I HAD SERVED WITH CAPTAIN PARRISH IN KAMI SEYA, JAPAN. CHRIS AND BILL BECAME ‘GOOD FRIENDS’
IMMEDIATELY WITH ALL OF US WHO WERE MEETING THEM FOR THE VERRY FIRST TIME. I KNOW CHRIS WILL BE AT ANOTHER REUNION WITH HER FATHER AND OTHER LOVED ONES WITH CHRIST.
Thomas and Vera Taylor
August 24, 2022, 8:44 pm
Our sincerest condolences to the families of the Emily and Stephanie and to Bill. We fell in love with the warmth and genuine kindness the first time we met Chris in Ulan-Ude. She loved GOD the Father and is with HIM right now. It is hard to believe she is gone. Praying for peace that passes all understanding for all of you.
Valerie Blouin
August 26, 2022, 5:08 pm
My very sincere condolences to the Pearce and Parrish families. I met Chris and Bill in 2019 in Villefranche-sur-Mer (France) where Chris and Hope lived with their parents in the 50s. I am very thankful for having been able to spend some moments with them. Even if we didn’t know each other, I felt like we were part of the same family. I’ll always cherish those moments and our memories together. I’ll never forget her sweet smile.
Theodore Berlingeri
September 7, 2022, 7:32 pm
My love goes out to the Pearce and Parrish families. While I had only met both Chris and Bill a handful of months ago, I feel blessed to have known her. Chris was always kind, smiling, and full of joy. The type of person that makes you want to be a better “you”. Bill & Family.. you are in my prayers.
Debbie
September 8, 2022, 2:10 pm
Prayers and love to Bill and family. I met Chris in 2018 when I was searching for my forever home. Chris was everything I would be looking for in a neighbor. She was inviting, thoughtful and gracious. Her excitement for nature and care for her family, friends, church and faith were contagious. Always a ready smile and something new to share. I will miss her.