Winifred C. Parsons

Winifred Catherine "Winnie" (Phayer) Parsons, 69, of Holland, died Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017, at her home. Born Dec. 10, 1947, in Denver, Colo., she was the daughter of the late John J. and Else (Schneider) Phayer, and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Conway where she was active in the Ministry of Consolation. Winnie graduated from Evergreen (Colo.) High School in 1966 and came to the University of Arkansas, where she earned a B.S. degree in Home Economics in 1970. On Aug. 28, 1970, she married Charles E. Parsons and devoted herself to raising their two sons, Charlie and John. Once her boys were older, she began working in the South Mississippi County (Ark.) School District as a social worker. Later she attended University of Arkansas at Little Rock and earned a master's degree in Social Work in 1986. Following her graduation, she started her career as a Licensed Medical Social Worker for the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Little Rock, where she retired in 2009. She had a special place in her heart for veterans and worked to provide an unsurpassed level of caring and compassion to all who were lucky enough to cross her path. While growing up she participated in the 4-H program in Jefferson County, Colo., and later was active as an adult leader in 4-H in Faulkner County. She enjoyed reading, working outdoors in her yard and around the family farm, and traveling. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Charles E. Parsons; two sons, Charles D. Parsons and John V. Parsons, both of Holland; a sister, Rosemary Skiles of Conifer, CO; five nieces and one nephew; and countless friends.Funeral mass will be celebrated by Father Tony Robbins at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8 at St. Joseph Catholic Chapel, 1115 College Ave., Conway. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be made to the charity of your choice. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway.