February 14, 2024, 79, Kenly —

Betty Jo Grice Parnell, 79, passed away at UNC Health Johnston–Smithfield on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, surrounded by her family. Born in Green, Tennessee on February 22, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Johnnie Grice and Nina McDaris Grice.

In addition to her parents, Betty Jo is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Parnell; son, David Parnell; great-granddaughter, Kachelle Ricks; brother, John Grice; and sisters, Joyce Cutshaw, Becky Amerson, Mary Kay Coleman, and Vivian Grice.

Betty Jo is survived by her daughter, Angela Parnell Killette, and husband, Van Killette, Sr.; grandson, Van Killette, Jr. and wife, Jennifer; granddaughters, Melanie Parnell Warren, Stephanie Parnell, and Katie Killette; great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Killette, Jordan Killette, Gracie Killette, Hunter Warren, Rachel Warren, Marshall Ricks, Noah Shoulars, and Aiden Sullivan; and great-great-grandson, Kash Warren. Betty Jo is also survived by several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Those who knew Betty Jo knew her love for sewing. She could be seen often doing several projects at once in order to be a blessing to others. Betty was an avid gardener and felt most comfortable outdoors. One of her favorite hobbies was making Christmas candy for all to enjoy.

Family was paramount to Betty Jo. Her love for family knew no bounds and each moment spent together with them was a memory she cherished forever.

A graveside service to celebrate Betty Jo’s life will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Kenly Cemetery at 3:15 p.m. The family will receive friends prior to the service at Kenly Funeral Service from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m.

Services have been entrusted to Kenly Funeral Services.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.kenlyfs.com.