Carrie Parris

On the morning of January 29, 2015, Carrie passed away at her home. She was comforted by her family and friends at the time of passing. Born in Covington County near Andalusia Alabama on June 15, 1927, she was 87 years old. She was the tenth child of Claudius Cleo and Emily Anne Nichols. Carrie lost both her parents by the age of 16 and then lived with her oldest sister.

Always proud of her southern heritage, she treated the family with great stories of growing up with a large family. She was a good student in school and had friends that lasted a lifetime. After graduation she worked as a hairdresser, but in 1948 grew restless and moved to Washington State to live with her sister and brother-in-law who lived in Richland. When applying for a job met Jo Williams, who introduced her to Harvey Parris and also became a lifelong friend. Harvey and Carrie were later married November 24, 1949.

In 1951 she had a son, Len. Ever the active parent she supported him through all the activities Richland had to offer. She loved to travel and made many trips back to Alabama to see her family. Harvey, her husband of 53 years … became a true part of the Nichols and Maddox clan. In 1972 they moved to North Carolina for 8 years before returning to Richland. She remained an active member of Richland Baptist church. She loved music and sang in the choir for years.

Carrie loved to play card games with the family and friends. An active bridge player, she was still playing in January this year. No game was off limits and she excelled at most! She also liked sports, avidly watched golf on television and followed her favorites, which were always from the southern states. 

Commonly referred to as “my favorite aunt” by so many of her relatives, it is hard to count.  She continued to reach out to all her family and touched our lives, always offering her support and love to all. She will truly be missed.

She was proceeded in death by her husband Harvey, sister-in-law Mary Alice Timm, sister-in-law Francis Harris; father Claudius Nichols, mother Emily Nichols, brothers Hilliard Lafayette, Henry Tolbert, James Edlow, Ernest Cleo, and Walter Comer. Sisters Katie Bell, Haidee, Eron Jeanette, and Emma Claude. She is survived by her son Len, daughter-in-law, Jane and her granddaughter Meghan and Richard Timm from Seattle.

A special thanks to her niece Dixie Swedsted who assisted Carrie in her last stay in the hospital and nephew Terrance Timm who provided constant love and support. Also a special thanks to her church family that have provided love, assistance and support throughout her life. 

Viewing will be held at Einan’s at Sunset on Friday, February 6, 2015 from 8:00am-9:20am with a graveside service to follow at 9:30am at Sunset Gardens in Richland. The memorial service will follow the gravesie at 11:00am at the Richland Baptist Church. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggests gifts may be designated to the senior ministries of Richland Baptist Church, Richland Washington.