Helen Oleta Parrish

Helen Oleta (Turnbow) Reed Parrish was born to Jake Childress and Bertha Lois (Gay) Turnbow on November 8, 1920, at Jessup, Arkansas and departed this life in Walters, OK, on January 24, 2009, at the age of 88 years, 2 months and 16 days. Helen came to the Burkburnett, TX, area with her family from Eufaula, OK in 1935. She married Joseph Sharrell Reed on July 27, 1940, at Grandfield, OK and the Lord gave them twin boys, Larry and Terry. The family made their home east of Randlett, OK, in the Taylor Store Community where they were engaged in farming and ranching for 45 years, raising wheat, cotton and cattle. Through the years Helen was active on the farm and was a dedicated homemaker. She also worked for the Haggar slacks factory in Temple for many years. She and Sharrell enjoyed many trips to Lake City, Colorado, where they enjoyed camping and trout fishing with their boys. He preceded her in death on January 11, 1985. Helen later married John Franklin Parrish on November 6, 1986 at Randlett and they made their home in Walters. Helen cherished her time with Frank until his death on June 9, 1989. She was also preceded in death by 3 brothers, David, Harold and Billy Joe Turnbow. Helen in one word was a servant. She enjoyed cooking and baking for family gatherings such as Sunday Dinners and Holidays. She always looked forward to her weekend trips to Wichita Falls to spend time with her tight knit brothers and sisters. She was especially proud of her grandkids. Helen was a member of the First Baptist Church in Walters. Survivors include 2 sons and a daughter-in-law, Larry and Debe Reed of Comanche, OK and Terry Reed of Walters; a brother, John Turnbow of Wichita Falls, TX; 4 sisters, Marsa Wise of Burkburnett, TX, Pauline Morrison of Albuquerque, NM, June Surrago of Patterson, NJ and Sue Johnson of Wichita Falls; 3 grandchildren, Lacy Reed of London, England, Dane Reed of Comanche, Chase Reed and wife Amber of Comanche; one great grandchild, Ayden Dean Reed of Comanche; other relatives and many friends.