Obituary
Brenda Kay Parsell, 66, of the The Villages, FL a sweet and wonderful woman went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Tuesday, May 30, 2017. She was born in Cincinnati, OH to the late Ralph and Margaret O’Banion.
Brenda attended and graduated from the Ohio State School for the Blind where she met the love of her life Randy Parsell. They were married in June of 1970 and soon after moved to Houston, TX. She retired from the Lighthouse of Houston for The Blind where she taught braille and was a Braille Transcriber creating braille books for schools and the Boy Scouts, menus for large restaurants, airline safety manuals, The Holy Bible and many other books so blind children and adults could be given the same opportunity to read.
Brenda was a faithful member of Gethsemane United Methodist Church for over 30 years where she served in many capacities one of which was a Teacher at the “Little School” in the early to mid 80’s. In 2014 she moved to The Villages, FL and became a member of Wildwood United Methodist Church.
Brenda enjoyed traveling, cooking and being around family and friends, but most of all she loved to make everyone happy whether it was offering sound and honest advice as well as providing comfort and emotional support to her family and friends. She loved to get gifts for friends and family that she thought would be useful to them. Her wit, quick humor, noticeable and memorable laugh, bright smile and sweet gentle personality with a line you did not want to cross will be deeply missed by everyone blessed to have known her. Brenda will be remembered as a strong, supportive and loving wife and mother who loved to spoil her children, dogs, grandchildren and grand dogs.
Brenda is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ralph “Wayne” O’Banion and parents-in-law, Bill and Jean Parsell
Brenda is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Randy Parsell; sons, Chris Parsell and Brad Parsell and his wife Michelle and their children Wren and Ella; brothers-in-law, Rick “Darry” Parsell and Joe Parsell; sweet furry daughter, Candy; grand dogs, Roxy and Balto and numerous other loving family members and friends.
Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Wildwood United Methodist Church, 300 Mason St., Wildwood, FL 34785 and on Saturday, July 15th at 11:00 A.M. at Gethsemane United Methodist Church, 6856 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, Texas 77074.
In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Brenda’s name may be made to Wildwood United Methodist Church, 300 Mason St., Wildwood, FL 34785 or Gethsemane United Methodist Church, 6856 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77074.
We would like to say “Thank You” to the entire staff at the The Villages Hospice House for taking such Great Care of Brenda.
My beautiful aunt Brenda
Joey, Susanna (Tad) and Zane Parsell
I don't know a life without you. You are part of one of my first memories as a child. We were all in the living room on carvel, (My mom, Eileen, Delia, Geneboy, Chris, and Brad), and you gave me sixlets! To this day, whenever I see those little candy coated chocolate balls I still can feel how happy, and special you made me feel. Throughout my entire life you never made me feel less then special. You always had time for me even when you didn't. I never felt unloved or unwanted! The love you gave me was truly unconditional. I am more than proud to be (as you would say) "one of your adopted girls", You truly are my
"MOM # 2"!
It is inconceivable heaven has been blessed with both of my moms... I love you Brenda.
My dear sweet friend. I can't say how much I will miss you because you already know .. it will be as much as I love you. The Lord has used you to inspire me in so many ways.. I can't thank you enough. My time with you in this life is precious to me , our song singing and crying, our prayer times. I'm at peace knowing you are in heaven, in a new glorified body able to see and not to suffer any more. No longer limited by time ... If only life would've been different .. I wish..
I am so thankful I met you, and now I'll never be the same. Xo xo I love you and miss you
Love Nicole
PS : you have a beautiful family & you had great taste in perfume and shampoo. Just saying ( inside joke )
Until we meet again friend
The little time I got to know you, I have received more than I've given you. Pastors are supposed to be the ones inspiring others; but you were the one who inspired faith in my life. I pray that I can live my life with so much hope as you did. Will see you on the other shore.'Till we meet again, my friend.
I have been SO FORTUNATE to have known the Parsell family since my high school days and all the times I was around Mrs. Parsell she always had a huge smile and we had some great talks and many laughs. I adored her vey much and want to say how touched I am to have know such an amazing and unforgettable, special lady.
My heart was broken when I heard the news and I am sending my thoughts and prayers and all that have been touched by her and especially to you Mr. Parsell, Chris and Brad- I hope you know that if you need ANYTHING at all, I am just a phone call away. Hugs and kisses to you all during this difficult time.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
We will always remember Brenda for her beaming smile and sense of humor. She had a great way of making you feel so welcome. She will be missed a lot.
love, Mike and RoAnn
December 22, 2012