Madonna Parrish

Madonna Leary Parrish, water operator, business owner, historian, genealogist, and author. Donna Parrish died Friday, March 7, 2014, at the age of 75. Born in Lawrence, Oklahoma on October 16, 1938, to Guy and Bonnye (Templeton) Clark, she was adopted by Ralph C. Leary and grew up with him and her mother in Gainesville, Florida. She attended Gainesville High School continuing on to the University of Florida where she studied Electrical Engineering. She wed Truby "Brantley" Parrish whom she was married to for 43 years until he passed in 1999. Donna who was known and loved by many put her all into everything she did. During her school days she was President of the Antlerettes, a social club. She received the Martha F. Dower award for excellence in Latin, took home an American History Award, and belonged to the Civil Air Patrol. Mrs. Parrish demonstrated to the community her business acumen and passion for historical preservation. Donna Parrish was a mother to five children whom she taught the values of civic responsibility. She ran for Chamblee City Council, Forsyth County Commissioner, was a Sunday School teacher, member of the Garden Club, Boy Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout Leader and room mother. History was a passion for her. She researched history as part of the Forsyth County Historical Society and for her own benefit in the genealogy world. She coauthored two books about Forsyth County, Georgia and wrote a regular "Heritage Sharing" article for the Forsyth County News for a considerable time. She continued working with county history until her death. Donna also owned and operated the water utility company, Truby, Inc. Her company is a member of the Georgia Rural Water Association and she held a Class II water operator's license. She was a member of Shores of Lanier Baptist Church, now known as Refuge Baptist. Madonna demonstrated the true meaning of unconditional love as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and to many others she touched throughout her life. Mrs. Parrish is survived by her daughters; Laura (David) Hufstetler, Susan (Tim) Sanner, Sarah (Jason) Griffin, and her son Billy (Teresa) Parrish; six grandchildren; Cindy Frazier, Leslie Frazier-Farmer, Dallas Lokay, Jessica Owens, Will Parrish and Ben Parrish, and many great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her brother Alan (Nancy) Leary of Pennsylvania and sister Sharon (Paull) Burnett of Colorado. She is preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Bonnye Leary, her husband Truby Brantley Parrish and son Tommy Parrish. Arrangements are being handled by McDonald & Son Funeral Home. There will be visitation Tuesday from 6 - 9 p.m., 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, with the service to follow at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers donations can be made on her behalf to the Forsyth County Humane Society Condolences may be expressed on-line at www.mcdonaldandson.com. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 886-9899