Velva Parrish

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Velva L. Parrish, 81, of Chicago Heights, Ill., died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004, at her home.

She was born Aug. 15, 1922, at Richland, Mo., daughter of Oscar and Lily Delores Hill Smith Sr. She and Frank Edward Parrish were married Aug. 2, 1950, in Piggott, Ark. He died July 14, 1994.

Formerly of Sikeston, she had owned and operated Mode O'Day Ladies Store, worked at LaPetite Dress Shop, and served as wedding consultant at the Hallmark Shop. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Sikeston, and Order of Eastern Star 137.

Survivors include a son, Frank Parrish II of Chesterfield, Mo.; two daughters, Sonja Sullivan and Sherra Pedigo of Chicago Heights; two brothers, Jack Smith of Troy, Mo., Donald Smith of Vero Beach, Fla.; two sisters, Sara Wilson of North Ridgeville, Ohio, Peggy Murdy of Pinellas Park, Fla.; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.

Friends may call at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel from 5 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the chapel, with the Rev. Harold Norton officiating. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery.