Obituary of Ethel Berniece Parr

Ethel Berniece Parr, age 77 of Moberly, passed away February 8, 2019 in Paris, MO. She was born on April 14, 1941 in Ravenna, TX to Jack Durbin and Rae Marie “Stewart” Durbin now Alan. She remembered fondly the time she got to live with her father and brother on the beach in San Diego. Ethel worked as a bookkeeper for Kmart in Stafford, TX before marrying Bobby Joe Parr on December 18, 1978. After which the couple relocated to Higbee, MO. Ethel later worked for the Moberly Correction Center for 6 years, where she was tough but fair. She won an award for outstanding officer and a trip to San Diego. After retiring, Ethel enjoyed watching hummingbirds and gardening. She was a member of King James Baptist Church where she often came in early to water the church plants. She was known affectionately as the “Cookie Lady” because she made an assortment of homemade cookies 3 times a week for church activities. She was a kind woman who was very generous with her time and talents. Ethel will be missed by all who knew her. Ethel is preceded in death by her father, Jack Durbin; mother and step-father, Rae Marie and Dell Alan; her husband, Bob Parr; brother, Eugene Durbin and sister, Margaret Fennell. Survivors include her brother, Kenneth (Delaine) Durbin of Bedford, TX; sister-in-law, Carol Durbin of Sherman, TX; 5 step-children, Ricky J. (Gina) Parr of Oak Grove, MO, Renee (Don) Manning, Gregory Parr and Michelle Parr all of Independence, MO and Kevin Parr of Grain Valley, MO; several step-grandchildren; foster daughters, Talaha “Tina” and Kalula Stamey (she had in her care for 8 years); nieces, Aleah, Angela, Rae, Brenda and Annie; nephews, Bradley and Bud; cousin, Dan (Ann) Griffith of Moberly; extended family and many good friends. Services celebrating Ethel’s life have been scheduled for Thursday, February 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at King James Baptist Church, 1315 Henry St., Moberly, MO. Interment will follow at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, MO. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 14, 2019 at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions in Ethel’s honor are suggested to King James Baptist Church, 1315 Henry St., Moberly, MO 65270.