Joyce Marie Parrish Harrison

Joyce Marie Parrish Harrison

February 23, 2021, 81, La Grange –

Joyce Marie Parrish Harrison was welcomed into the arms of her Savior on February 23, 2021. Though they grieve at her passing, her family rejoices in knowing her strength of body and mind have been renewed and she has been reunited with her daughter, Donna, and her Parrish family members who have gone on before her.

Joyce was born in Wake County to the late Otis Bryant Parrish and Fannie Barham Parrish on August 24, 1939. While attending high school, she met the young man who would become the love of her life. Joyce captivated Clifton’s heart early on and the two were married in June of 1958. Never has a love story been told that would match the romance shared between the two. Truly soulmates, Joyce and Clifton lived a life of dedication and commitment to one another.

There was nothing that Clifton wouldn’t do for his sweetheart. Her greatest desire was to become a mother, and Clifton gave her four beautiful girls. He worked diligently to provide for his family while his wife maintained their home and cared for their family. Joyce was a Godly example to her girls of what a mother, wife, and Christian lady should be. She was their teacher, their listening ear and guiding hand, and very best friend. Joyce and Clifton raised their daughters to exemplify strong character, honesty, and love.

Just when Joyce thought her heart was completely full, her precious grandchildren were born and expounded upon the love she had shown to her husband and children. She couldn’t get enough of her grandbabies, so Sunday dinners with a house filled with laughter and chatter became her new normal. She looked forward to cherished times spent with her family and went out of her way to put the biggest spreads on the table. Her skills in the kitchen were second to none and there was always a dish for everyone at the table. Joyce’s world revolved around her family, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Joyce was one of eleven children. Even though they didn’t have material wealth, they had a rich family heritage. The Parrish sisters and brothers have had a unique and special bond. Though they lost their parents at an early age, the family has remained very close. There was nothing Joyce looked forward to more than her cherished family reunions, which were planned around the holidays. She loved seeing her siblings, nieces, and nephews, and she was known for telling funny, often exaggerated, stories of she and her brothers and sisters growing up. She always had a way of making her nieces and nephews feel special.

As much as Joyce loved her family, nothing compared to the love she felt for her Savior. A sincere Proverbs 31 lady, Joyce put Christ at the forefront of her heart and taught his Word in her home. In all she did, she emphasized the importance of loving God and loving family. Her favorite piece of advice was “Walk in love”, no matter what the situation was. Her legacy and commitment to that love was passed down to her girls and then to their children, as they endeavored to be the mother to their children that she had always been to them.

A service to remember and celebrate Joyce’s life will be held Saturday, February 27, 2021, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Rouse Funeral Home. Committal will follow at Fairview Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation in the hour before the service, as well as other times at the home.

Joyce is survived by her sweetheart and knight in shining armor, Clifton O’Neal Harrison; three daughters, Kim Harrison Hipkiss and husband, Jimmy, Lisa Harrison Davis and husband, Ken, and Kathy Harrison Korzekwinski and husband, John; son-in-law, Warren Hardy; grandchildren, Christin Hardy, Connor Hardy Potter (Ethan), Justin Hardy, Ashley Hipkiss Kennamer (John), Cassidy Hipkiss, Meredith Davis Holmes (Matthew), Morgan Davis Richards (Cody), Madison Davis, Eve Korzekwinski, Harrison Korzekwinski, and Rose Joyce Korzekwinski; great-granddaughter, Sawyer Holmes; brothers, Gene, Jesse, George, and Bill Parrish; and many special nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her daughter, Donna Harrison Hardy, and several siblings.

The family extends their sincerest gratitude to her caregivers: Angela Garris, Estella Arnold, and special friend, Janice Garris, RN.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.

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