December 7, 2023, 93, Winston-Salem —
March 1, 1930 – December 7, 2023
Joann Marie Humphrey Parsons, 93, was welcomed into the arms of her Savior on December 7, 2023. She was born in Lenoir County to the late Alice Waller Humphrey and Daniel Webster Humphrey on March 1, 1930. She formerly resided in Kinston and La Grange, NC until 2005, when she transitioned to Winston-Salem to be near family.
Joann’s early years were spent in Lenoir County where she attended Contentnea School. She married the love of her life at the age of 16, and the two built a life they loved together. She later earned her associate degree from Lenoir Community College and pursued a career in education. She worked as the librarian for Grace Christian School in Kinston before serving 22 years as a teacher’s assistant at La Grange Elementary School. She retired in 1992 from Lenoir County Public Schools.
The years following Joann’s retirement were not idle. Just as she and Leslie had traveled the United States and overseas many times, after Leslie’s passing, Joann continued to explore the world with friends and family. From mission trips to Russia and Africa to leisurely tourism in Australia and Israel, she continued her volunteerism always maintaining a servant’s heart.
Joann trusted Jesus Christ as her Savior as a young mother. She was a charter member of Grace Missionary Baptist in Kinston. As she grew in her faith, she became a disciple-maker and mentor to many, many other women throughout her life. During her time in Kinston, she served as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, and even as a volunteer at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. After she and Leslie moved to La Grange, they joined the congregation of Community Baptist Church which they attended for several years. After Leslie went to be with his Lord and Savior, she relocated to Winston-Salem to be near her children. There, Calvary Baptist became her church home and family. She assisted in teaching Grief Share at church and continued her volunteerism within the church as well as with the American Red Cross.
Joann embodied a Proverbs 31 woman. She was a loving and supportive wife and mother. Her family was second only to God. While her quick wit and sweet spirit endeared her to many, Joann’s family was her treasure and she cared for them as Christ instructed. She was worth far more than rubies, clothed with strength and dignity, and her children and grandchildren surely arise and call her blessed (Proverbs 31).
She is survived by her children, Joan Alyson Parsons Fleming (Dave) and David L Parsons (Kathy); five grandchildren: Jonathan Parsons and wife, Amy (Timothy and Matthew) of Greenville, SC, Daniel Parsons and wife, Hope (Jolene, Cadence, Grayden, Nolan), Benjamin Parsons and wife, Elizabeth (Ethan, Isaac, and Levi) of Schroon Lake, NY, Greg Fleming, and wife, Amanda (Rory, Ray, and Lundy) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Dana Fleming of Winston-Salem, NC. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie E Parsons; sister, Grace Humphrey Smith; brothers, Felix West and Courtney Humphrey; and a beloved great-granddaughter, Kathryn Grace Parsons.
Graveside Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec 16, 2023, at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Kinston, NC, and family will greet friends afterward. A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Calvary Baptist Church, Peace Haven, Winston-Salem, NC. The family will greet friends immediately following the service.
Joann’s family extended their sincere gratitude to the caregivers who helped to give her a quality of life and became more family than friend. Mikki, Dottie, Wendy, Denise, Carol, and Donella, you are treasured beyond measure.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to: www.MissionCenterNC.org/give (North American Mission Board) or www.ncfaithandfreedom.com (NC Faith and Freedom Coalition).
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
