Geraldine Parish

Funeral services were held Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at Phalti Baptist Church in Prentiss, MS for Mrs. Geraldine Parish, age 89, who died November 6, 2016 at the family home in Clem where she had resided for the last five years. Rev. Carroll Rippy and Rev. Billy Bridges officiated. Pallbearers were: Tim Petro, Paul Petro, Dillan Langley, Mike Bayles, Bill Langley, Ethan Lee and Marcel Ebner. Honorary bearers were: Billy Parish, James Parish, Bud Parish, Mark Petro, Gary Petro, Jimmy Arrington, Larry Parish, Don Broome and Greg Lee. Gerry was born on July 23, 1927. She was a graduate of Clem High School and then attended Clark College, graduating from William Carey College. She earned an MSW degree from Tulane University in 1955. Gerry was one of the first child welfare workers in the state of Mississippi, and began her social work career in Pike County in 1952. Upon returning to Mississippi, she worked for the next 15 years supervising and training child welfare workers across the state. She was instrumental in the establishment of the USM School of Social Work in 1974; the first graduate school of social work in the state. Gerry joined the initial faculty of the child school and was responsible for developing field education. In 1988 she was appointed acting Dean of the school. Terry was the oldest of four girls belonging to Lucille and Wayne Parish. Gerry was a devoted sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucille and Wayne Parish and sister, Pat Staples. Survivors are Becky (Travis) Langley, Alice Petro of Birmingham, AL, numerous nieces , nephews and cousins. Memorials may be made to: The Gerry Parish Graduate Social Work Scholarship Fund at University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Dr., Hattiesburg, MS 39406 and Phalti Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 889 Clem Rd. Prentiss, MS 39474. Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com.