Obituary
Lettie M. Meade Parris – “The Boss”
“As long as we remember a person they are not really gone. Their thoughts, their feelings, their memories, they become a part of us.” Our world has lost a great mother, “Nana” sister, aunt and friend. Lettie M. Meade Parris died peacefully with her loving son, Mark (Tony) Parris and daughter-in-love, Jo Parris, just inches from side on January 10, 2022 @ 10:25 AM
Lettie was born on May 29, 1925 in the coal-mining town of Pound, VA. She is the sixth child of ten born to John and Winnie Meade. She grew up on the family farm where she helped her mother care for her brothers and sisters. When one of the girls was old enough for chores, Lettie was left in charge of the younger ones. She assumed her role as “The Boss” and continued to share her knowledge with the many generations to follow.
Before meeting her true love, she worked as yarn winder at Tennessee Eastman Company for fifteen years. In 1957, Lettie married Paul Parris in Kingsport, TN, where they raised their son, Tony. Paul and Lettie relocated to East Lake Weir, FL where they built their family home in 1969. Eleven years later, Lettie became a widow when Paul died of a heart attack.
Lettie returned to the work force after her son Tony became an adult, she retired at the age of 80 from 36 years of employment with a daycare center in Leesburg, FL. She was thankful for her years with the children who grew up under her loving care. Nothing made her smile brighter than having a precious child on her lap.
Retirement gave Lettie time to do what she enjoyed the most. These moments include volunteering for her church, being an active member of the East Lake Weir Yacht Club, ladies Masonic Organization, the Order of the Eastern Star and caring for close friends in her community. Mos of all Lettie enjoyed being a grandmother and great-grandmother to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Lettie affectionately known as “Nana”, spent time making priceless memories with her family. An amazing cook, our nana sweetly prepared the favorites of each of us all from her tiny kitchen in East Lake Weir, FL. Gathering around her table left you full in so many ways. Nana shared her wisdom, her love, and offered impeccable advice to each of us who held a special place in her heart.
After spending may independent years in her home in East Lake Weir, Nana’s declining health required consistent loving care. Lettie moved to Ocala where she would receive much-needed support. Lettie continued to laugh and reminisce with Tony and Jo, her grandchildren and great grandchildren over favorites like family fish-fry dinners and homemade pizza nights.
Lettie was preceded in death by her husband: Paul Parris; her parents: John and Winnie Meade; her siblings: Gertie Meade Baker; Roy Meade; Lexie Meade; Annette Meade Hylton; Garcia Meade; Joseph Meade; Thettie Meade Robinson and Trula Meade Coxe.
Nana is survived by her son: Mark Anthony “Tony” Parris; daughter-in-love Jo Parris; brother J.C. (Lois) Meade; her grandchildren: Joey Parris (Jessica Vargo); Jeffrey Parris (Alissa Balestrieri); Lisa Marie Amodeo (Tommy); Darrell Brantley: Great-Grandchildren: Gavin Parris, Kaia Parris, Hudson Parris, Cooper Parris, Wyatt Amodeo, Garett Amodeo, Jacob Brantley, Juliana Brantley, Madison Brantley, Tucker Brantley and Harry Brantley; and her great-great grandchild: Everleigh Zaragoza.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baldwin Brothers Heritage Place Chapel, 954 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite 200, Ocala, FL 34470. PH: 352-236-5884
Online Condolences as well as fond memories may be left for Lettie’s family by visiting www.BaldwinCremation.com
Troy and Merissa McMichen
Lettie holding Addie in 2015