Obituaries

Mary Lucille Buchan Parrish passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2025, in Newport News following a two-year battle with cancer.

Mary was a dedicated homemaker, loving wife, and supporter of her community. She and her late husband Lewie were married for 67 years. During which time they built Virginia Land and Homes, Parrish Enterprises, and an organic farm in North Carolina, which became a true labor of love. Mary’s dedication to family and work was matched only by her commitment to her community and faith.

A longtime member of Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church in Newport News, Virginia and proud resident of Hilton Village, Mary played an active role in many programs including the Main Street flag project. She served as the editor of the church cookbook, was a member of Circle 1, and organized over 30 years of Red Cross blood drives. Her service and devotion were honored with the Methodist Women’s Pin, a recognition she wore with pride.

Mary’s unbounded energy and hospitality were never more evident than while hosting the Parrish family reunion at The Homeplace each June. A city girl with signature style, Mary grew to love the country. Over the years literally hundreds of family members and churchgoers experienced her renowned cooking. Her crab imperial, coconut cake and chicken & pastry were just a few of her signature dishes.

Her love of gardening was exemplified by her fall pumpkin patch sales held along Taylors Store Road with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mary will be remembered for her nurturing spirit, deep faith, and the love she shared with all who knew her. She touched the lives of many and will be missed dearly by her family and friends.

Mary was born on October 18th, 1939, to Charles and Lela Buchan in San Diego California. She was raised in Rocky Mount N.C. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charles Lewie Parrish, her brother Charles Buchan, and her sister Susie Williams. She is survived by her sons, Bo Parrish (Peter Leddy) and Woody Parrish (Mary-Frances); her sisters, Mena Capps (George), Libby McLean (Craig), and her brother Tucker Buchan (Annette). Mary’s grandchildren include Charlie (Stephanie), Andy (Ashley), and Woodson (Lily), along with her great-grandchildren: Dallas, Luke, Tucker, Kate, Mason, Emily, and Forrest.

Mary will lie in repose at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 8th at Philadelphia Baptist Church located at 6701 Taylors Store Road, Nashville N.C.. This will be followed by a graveside service at 1:00 PM.
The Parrish family wishes to thank the kind and loving care of Doctors Kaushal Patel, Christie Prillaman and Henry Prillaman; caregivers Joanne Clearly and special family friend Jackie Lynch; neighbors Amy Bailey, Janice Michael and Gavin, the Lash family, Carol Cook and Riverside nurses Ashley, Ajada and Holly.

Memorials for Mary may be directed to the Food Pantry at Chestnut UMC in Newport News, VA or Philadelphia Baptist Church in Nashville, N.C.