Lilbert B. Parish

Lilbert B. Parish, 93, of Damascus, Arkansas, passed away, at his home of 53 years, Thursday, October 6, 2011. He was born March 3, 1918, in Conway, Ark., to the late Lee A. and Lula (Wilkes) Parish. Mr. Parish was also preceded in death, by his wife of 64 years, Vera Blanche (Brian) Parish, and one sister, Dortha Parish Canady. He was the oldest surviving member, of Southside Baptist Church, in Damascus. He taught Sunday school and was a deacon, of the church. Mr. Lilbert obtained his Master's Degree in Agriculture, from the University of Arkansas, at Fayetteville. He worked several years for Farmers Home Administration and came back to Damascus, to teach Agriculture, at Southside School Bee Branch, where he not only taught Agriculture, but also instilled values that could be used through out life. He always encouraged his students to excel and do their best. He retired after 34 years, of teaching, at Southside, Bee Branch. During retirement, he and his wife, Miss Vera, enjoyed traveling, and playing with their grand kids. Mr. Lilbert claimed all children that he met as his own. Mr. Lilbert is survived by two daughters; Kay Williams, and husband, Freddie of Conway, Melba Barge, and husband Ralph, of Damascus, one son, Bert Parish, and wife Beth, of Falls Church, VA, two sisters Vanteen Parish Graddy and husband Jim, and Wanda Parish Winfrey, and husband, Bob, three grandchildren, Leah Roberts, and husband, Robin, of Greenbrier, Jesse Barge and wife Caren of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Amy Dixon and husband, Stuart of North Little Rock, and three great-grandchildren, Evan Roberts, Kallee King and Will Roberts of Greenbrier. The family would like to express their appreciation to Betty Farley, Leslie Warford, Jessica Bradford and Odyssey Hospice for the loving care given to Mr. Lilbert. Mr. Lilbert's funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday October 10th at, Southside Baptist Church in Damascus with Bro. Bill Griffith officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Mountain Cemetery in Damascus. Serving as pallbearers will be Tommy Azbill, Kenny Strack, Larry Winfrey, Leslie Willis, Bruce Strack, and Jeff Hutchins. Honorary pallbearers are all of Mr. Lilbert's former Agriculture students. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the church. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.