When the time comes to bid this life farewell, we should find comfort in knowing that a loving God will be there with us to guide us to our new home.

https://my.gather.app/remember/frances-grooms-parrish 

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

Our hearts are filled with sorrow but comforted by cherished memories as we celebrate the life and legacy of Mrs. Frances M. Grooms-Parrish, who made her peaceful journey home on July 26, 2026. She was born on March 28, 1948, in Washington, DC, to the late Pastor Joseph W. and Frances E. Grooms; they instilled in her a strong Christian foundation that remained with her throughout her life.

She was also preceded in death by the love of her life, her devoted husband of 49 years, Roger L. Parrish. Also, by her brothers, William Grooms, Joseph Grooms, Jr., Charles Grooms, and Roosevelt Grooms; her twin brother, Freddie Grooms; her beloved sister, Nannie Richardson; and her precious granddaughter, Tina Marie Bright. Frances found her true calling as a caregiver. To Frances, caregiving was more than a profession; it was ministry.

She cared for each person with patience, compassion, and genuine love. Her gentle spirit comforted those she served and their families, many of whom became lifelong friends. Frances loved the Lord with all her heart. At a young age, she was baptized at Evergreen Bible Way Church under the leadership of her father, Pastor Joseph W. Grooms, where she faithfully served on the choir. Following the leading of God's Holy Word, Frances joined as a watch care member at Galilee Baptist Church to be with her husband, Roger. There, she worshiped alongside him under the leadership of the late Reverend Otis Spellman. After the passing of her beloved Roger, she returned home to Evergreen Bible Way Church under the leadership of Bishop Steven A. Mason. Frances had a vibrant personality that could light up any room. She loved shopping and took great pride in her appearance. Together, Frances and Roger were admired for their style and class. They loved coordinating their outfits with beautiful hats, shoes, and accessories reflecting the joy they found in sharing life. Her smile, laughter, and graceful style reflected the beauty she carried within.

Those who knew Frances understood that her greatest beauty was not found only in the way she dressed, but in the kindness, she showed, the faith she lived, and the love she freely shared. Frances never missed an opportunity to testify of God's goodness. Her joyful declaration, "Honey, God been good to me! And I love Him!" became a testimony that inspired everyone around her. Whether speaking with family, friends, or even strangers, she always encouraged others to "continue to show love and to stay with God." Her unwavering faith, encouraging words, and joyful praise left an everlasting impression on all who knew her.

Frances leaves to cherish her precious memories and celebrate her remarkable life her loving children: Darlene Carter (Rodney), Gladys Brown (Larry), Willamae Williams, Paul Parrish, Irving Parrish, Rodney Parrish (Carolyn), Ronald Parrish (Mary), Shayvette Parrish, Crystal Parrish, and Gladnill Gaskins (Fred). She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Corice Grooms, Latoya Bruce, Tyonna Bright, Quan Grooms, RaVine Ragland, Rahkeem Grooms, Rodneisha Carter, Lanaja Carter, Aerison Parrish, Margeret Parrish, Ronald Parrish, Rayanna Parrish, Ryan Parrish, NyTrell Parrish, Jetavia Parrish, Patricia Bowers, Jasmine Parrish, Jada Parrish, and PJ Parrish, along with 33 treasured great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immeasurable joy.

Frances also leaves to cherish her memory her sister-in-law and lifelong sister friend, Carolyn Parrish, with whom she shared over 40 years of sisterhood. She also leaves a very special person, whom she and Roger lovingly called “daughter”, Kim Gaines. She is also survived by her dear cousin, pastor, and friend, Bishop Steven A. Mason, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, her church family, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by her love and kindness. As the lyrics of her favorite song, "This Little Light of Mine," remind us, Frances chose to let her light shine each day through her faith, compassion, and love for others. Although our hearts are heavy with her absence, we rejoice in knowing that she has heard the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant. "Frances would never say goodbye, but she would say to her friends and loved ones, “Love you, I’ll see you later” Though we will miss her dearly,

Today, those cherished words remind us that, because of God's promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ, our farewell is only temporary. Her faith, compassion, elegance, joyful spirit, and unwavering love for God and family will continue to inspire generations to come.

The Family will receive friends from 4-6pm Sunday, August 9,2026 in The Sun Chapel at D. D. Watson, Louisa 

A viewing will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026, at noon at the Evergreen Bible Way, 1576 Evergreen Road, Louisa, Virginia, 23093. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm at the same location.

To the Grooms-Parrish family, we at D. D. Watson offer our most sincere sympathy and condolences. Our prayer continues to be that your abiding faith in God will lend to you a measure of comfort that will strengthen and sustain you during your time of sorrow.

It is during such times as these that we draw upon our faith, stand upon our scriptures, and rely upon our God. There is no question that in this and through this, God will keep you, comfort you, and sustain you. You and your family are forever in our prayers.