Mrs. Barbara “Bobbie” Carolyn Porter Parrish, age 84, of 503 West Harnett Street died Wednesday, July 4, 2018 at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh. Funeral Services will be 2:00PM Sunday, July 8, 2018 at the Rose & Graham Funeral Home Chapel in Benson. Officiating will be Pastor Kris Romito and Mr. Mike Warren.
Burial will follow in Benson City Cemetery. Bobbie was born July 26, 1933 on Church Street in Benson to the late Dalton W. and Esther Core Porter. She was preceded in death by her husband, John William “Billy” Parrish, Jr.; daughter, Cindy Parrish Johnson; sister, Jackie Porter Moore and brother, Michael Webster Porter.
She was a graduate of Benson High School and co-owner of Parrish Oil Company where she served as bookkeeper and secretary. Bobbie attended Benson Baptist Church and Benson Presbyterian Church. Survivors include daughters, Carolyn Parrish Hayes and husband, Dennis of Benson, Emma Parrish Meekins and husband, Kenny of Manteo and Lillian Parrish of Benson; grandchildren, Lauren Parrish Johnson and Anna Johnson of Four Oaks, Hunter Meekins and wife, Meredith of Manteo, Hannah Meekins of Wilson, Amber Starr Hayes of Benson, Kalyn, John and Claire Curtis of Benson; great-granddaughter, Parrish Ward Meekins of Manteo; brother, Andy Porter and wife, Carol of Mount Holly; sister-in-law, Becky Porter of Virginia Beach, VA; sister-in-law, Retired Lt.
Colonel Lillian H. Parrish of Benson; niece and nephew, Jean M. Barefoot and Rickie Moore and families all of Benson; several cousins and many special friends. Bobbie was a founding member of the Benson Foundation of the Arts and was instrumental in renovating the WJ Barefoot Auditorium. She was also one of the founders of the Benson Ladies Civitan Club and served as its president.
Bobbie faithfully stood by her husband, Billy, as he served the Town of Benson tirelessly for over 35 years. Bobbie and Billy quietly gave to many families in this town and never wanted any recognition for all they did. They provided Christmas gifts, heating oil, food, money for bills and numerous other acts of kindness.
She was an amazing woman who was loved by all she met and will be missed by many, especially her family. The family will receive friends Saturday, July 7, 2018 6:00PM-8:00PM at Rose and Graham Funeral Home in Benson and other times at the home. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Benson Fire Department, 313 S. Elm St., Benson, NC 27504, Benson Baptist Church, P.O. Box 323, Benson, NC 27504, Crossroads Church of Benson, 301 S. Walton Ave.
, Benson, NC or a charity of ones choice.
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