Theresa Marie Parrish, went to be with the Lord, on June 24, 2021 at 4:41 p.m., at the age of 68, in Springfield, Missouri.  Theresa, more affectionately known as mommy, momma, mother, granny, grandma, big momma, teeny momma, and by her dear friends, Sister Terri, was surrounded by her loved ones and friends during her final days, in the comfort of her own home.

Theresa was born in South Dakota to George and Lavalle (Kyte) Roth on June 9, 1953. She graduated from Parkston High School in 1971, and later married her high school sweetheart Gary Lofswold.  Gary later joined the military and he and Theresa traveled throughout the United States and several different countries. Theresa and Gary later settled in Maryland.  Although separated, Theresa and Gary raised five beautiful children with love and compassion.

In the summer of 1991 Theresa’s dear friend Brian Tate took her to a revival sparking her love and interest in the COGIC style of praising the LORD. Shortly after she became a member of Greater Refuge Ministries in Clinton, MD, led by Apostle Devaughan Moore. Apostle Moore remained in contact with Theresa throughout the years.

In the mid 90’s Theresa made the decision to move her family to Springfield, Missouri with her companion, James Parrish.  Theresa rededicated her life to the Lord and began attending Timmons Temple Church of God In Christ, under the leadership of Bishop (then Pastor) Elijah H. Hankerson, III.  Under this ministry Theresa married James Parrish, joined the choir, served on the Usher Board, and the Hospitality Committee, and willingly served where needed. When Pastor Hankerson moved his ministry to St. Louis, Missouri, Theresa continued her service to the Lord under the leadership of Pastor Tray and Agnes Walton, at Covenant Of Grace Christian Center and served faithfully under that leadership until the Lord released her and her husband to serve under the Leadership of Pastors Henry and Chris Grandberry at God’s House of Glory, where she worked as Head Usher and assisted in the growth of the ministry until the time of her transition to heaven.

Theresa has worked as a switchboard operator, secretary for doctors offices, and did women’s counseling, but her passion was helping others so she volunteered with several organizations.  Theresa graduated from OTC in Springfield, MO on the Dean’s List, with an Associates Degree in Business Administration.  In 1983, Theresa contracted AIDS from a blood transfusion, and later became an advocate and activist for AIDS awareness. Theresa was one of the co-founders of Pozitive Perspectives raising AIDS Awareness and fighting to abolish the stigma that came with the word AIDS. She participated in studies for the WISE program at Georgetown University.  She later worked at the Red Cross, in Springfield and Aids Project of the Ozarks (APO) as an employee and a mentor/educator, which she loved dearly.

Theresa enjoyed reading, spending time with her family, going to church, helping others, and most of all spending time with her kids and grandkids.

Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James Parrish, and her brother Thomas Roth.

Theresa left to cherish her memories, her Children: Patricia Lofswold of Springfield,MO, Tanya Lofswold of Newport News VA, Douglas Hill II (Sofonie) of Cumming, GA, David Hill (Ktanya) of Springfield, MO, De’Anna Hill (fiancé Theron Michalczyk) of Suffolk, VA; Sisters: Francis Trejo (Jon), Barbara Warden (Dick), Elizabeth Roth (Junior); Grandkids, Tierra, Taylor, David II, D’Aisha, Jilesa, Keileigh, Tavarius, Tavion, Dante, Kendrick, David (DJ); Great Grandkid: Amir;  Nephews: Frank, Juan, Lucas, Jeremy, and Brandon; one Niece: Naomi; special friends Deanna, Patrick and Dennis, and many cousins, friends, and loved ones.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 6, 2021 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Greenlawn Funeral Home North.  The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at Greenlawn Funeral Home North with burial following in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.