Connie Parnell

Connie Marlene Parnell (Anderson), 81, went to her heavenly home on November 29, 2023. Connie was born in Sylacauga, AL on September 29, 1942. She graduated from Jackson High School in 1960 and got married later that same year. She was happily married for 63 years to Richard E. Parnell, Sr. (or "Shug" as she called him). Connie and Shug made their home in Tibbie where they raised their 3 children; Donna, Ritchie and Angie. Connie's faith in Jesus Christ and her family were the most important things in her life. She was an active member of Tibbie Baptist Church for over 50 years; through the years she was a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, led Girls in Action and was a member of the choir as well as serving on various church committees and also represented her church on many mission trips. She was a faithful servant of the Lord and had a special place in her heart for children. Any child (or adult) in the community who wanted to go to church but didn't have a way to get there could count on "Mrs. Connie" to pick them up and take them. While leading the youth of Tibbie Baptist Church, she made sure to share her testimony, her love of the Lord, and her knowledge of how to properly roll a yard.

Connie was always smiling and never met a stranger. She was the manager of Leann Fabrics in Chatom for many years while her children were in school. After raising her family, Connie felt called into teaching and made the bold decision to start college in her 40's. At the age of 50 she graduated with honors from The University of Mobile with a BS in Education. She proudly began and ended her professional teaching career at Reed's Chapel Elementary (later renamed McIntosh Elementary School), where she was beloved by students and faculty alike. She retired in 2017 after 20+ years of teaching. She was passionate about education and took great pride in being the best teacher she could be. One of her brightest moments as an educator came when she was named Teacher of the Year for the 2015-16 school year.

Connie was an excellent cook and loved sharing her food with family and friends. She enjoyed traveling and doing anything outdoors; whether it was fishing, doing yardwork, taking a walk, biking or tending vegetables in her garden, she found joy in the simple things. She was an avid football fan who loved watching & supporting her Auburn Tigers.

Above all, Connie loved the Lord. She was bold in her faith, proudly sharing her testimony whenever the Lord led her to do so. She had a dynamic personality and will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew her.

Connie is survived by her husband of 63 years, Richard "Shug" Parnell, Sr.; children, Donna Marlene Cotton, Richard "Ritchie" Parnell, Jr, and Angela Kaye Bourassa (Kevin); grandchildren, John Tyler Cotton, Christopher Kyle Cotton, Shayna Crump and Serina Bourassa; great grandchildren, Savannah Grace, John Henry Cotton, Linay Crump, Levi Crump, and Lane Crump as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Etta Mae Anderson Bryan.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 4, 2023 at Lathan Funeral Home in Chatom from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. as well as Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at Tibbie Baptist Church from 12:00 p.m. until the funeral service begins at 1:00 p.m. with Bro. Al Brown, Bro. Ernest Tucker and Bro. Woody Baughn, officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Tyler Cotton, Kyle Cotton, Kevin Bourassa, Larry Hubbard, R.J. Thompson, Randy Reid, Brad Johnston, and Bradlyn Johnston.

Honorary pallbearers will be Don Parnell, Randy Thompson, Hollis Parnell, Tom Baxter, Leo Anderson, Bobby Frank Williams, and Dr. Lebaron Byrd.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Washington County Southern Baptist Convention Mission Fund, Lottie Moon Christmas Offering or the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.