Darlene Irvin Parsons, age 70 years, a resident of the Blackman Heights Community, Hambleton, WV, departed this life Monday evening December 22, 2014 at her home surrounded by her family. She had been in declining health for the past two years, however death was unexpected.
She was born Sunday, December 10, 1944 at Parsons, WV, a daughter of the late Harry Fred “Bud” and Mary Lee Ramsey Irvin. On June 12, 1964 at Parsons, WV, she was married to James Marshall Parsons, who survives. They had celebrated fifty years of marriage.
Also surviving are one son, David Marshall Parsons and wife Mindy Leigh of St. George; one daughter, Debra Diane White and husband Kevin of Blackman Heights; one brother, Donald Wayne Irvin of Fla; one sister, Diana Elaine Helms and husband George of Blackman Heights; three grandchildren, Cory Seth White, Karsyn Paige White and Kieran David Parsons; one great granddaughter, Gracyn Adele White; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death are her grandparents, who were very instrumental in her life, Charles Lee and Eunice Baker Ramsey.
She was a graduate of Parsons High School with the Class of 1962 of which she was Head Majorette of the P.H.S. Marching Band. She was a past member of the Tucker Co. Emergency Services, serving as Captain, and while there she served as paramedic, CPR and EMT Instructor and was the coordinator for both. She graduated from Davis & Elkins College School of Nursing in 1983. She was a Registered Nurse for the former Memorial General Hospital, Davis Memorial Hospital and worked for the Appalachian Community Health as a personal care supervisor, and the Arch A. Moore Career Center, where she taught Health Occupation. She retired from the Tucker Community Care in 2006. Following her retirement, she authored the book, “The Parsons Pioneers”, which was published in 2007. She was a former District Officer of the Potomac Highland District and President of the United Methodist Unit of the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. In 2012, she became a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a member of the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. She was an avid reader, enjoyed art, piano and home decorating. She enjoyed her time on the family farm and she loved to spend time with her family.
The family received friends at the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Parsons on Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. Final rites were conducted at the funeral home parlor on Sunday, December 28, 2014 at 2 p.m. The Rev. J. Michael Lantz officiated and interment followed at the Parsons City Cemetery at Parsons, WV. At Darlene’s request, the casket remained closed. The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to; ALS Association, in Memory of Darlene Parsons, R.N., 1275 K. Street, NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20005; www.also.org. The Lohr & Barb Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements for Darlene Irvin Parsons. Condolences may be expressed to the family at; www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com.
