Roberta Parnell
Alton | Save
Mrs. Roberta Parnell departed life at Robings Manor Rehabilitation & Health Care Center on August 30, 2016. She was 83 years of age.
She was born Roberta Marshall, the Sixth of Twelve children on May 22, 1933 to James and Lucy Marshall in Marvel, Arkansas. She later moved to West Helena, Arkansas where she live and later married Edgar Lee Parnell on March 14th, 1952.
Roberta and Edgar Parnell later moved to St. Louis, Missouri. Edgar Parnell preceded her in death.
Roberta was a fun loving person, who loved to laugh, enjoyed traveling, socialization, family, friends, going to church and social events. Roberta was a faithful member of St. John Baptist church, where she served as an usher, men & women’s day captain and participated in many church activities until her health began to fail.
Roberta was an active and well respected member of The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks organization, Golden Rod Temple – Lodge #234.
Roberta worked as a Machinist and retired from Olin Corporation. Robert was well known and respected by her fellow Olin co-workers. When someone mentions the name of Roberta Parnell, it was always with a smile. Regardless of her condition or circumstance, Roberta managed to bring joy and laughter to every conversation and situation. Roberta received many awards and recognition for her service to Olin. Roberta was most proud of being awarded a Gold Veteran’s Badge as an honor conferred by the Grand Lodge of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, due to her loyalty and service. After retiring from Olin, Roberta was later employed to work as a personal sitter for the mother of Jacqueline O’Quinn, where she became and remained very close friends until her passing.
Roberta is also preceded in death by her father (James Marshall) and mother (Lucy Collier-Marshall); brothers Frederick Marshall, Curtis Marshall, Searcy (Alberta) Marshall and James Marshall; sisters Vera Mae Corbin, Bessiola Van Buren and Catherine Watson.
Roberta leaves to cherish her memory: one brother - Willie C. (Deborah) Marshall of St. Louis Missouri, three sisters - Berdine Hoskins of West Helena Arkansas, Clintene Moses of St. Louis Missouri and Mary (Eddie) Mitchell of Clarksville Tennessee, two long time, dear, caring and faithful friends – Vera Gray and Brenda Beard, her loyal caregiver Vanessa Bea and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will convene Saturday, September 3, 2016 from 9 until time of service at 10:00 a.m. at Deliverance Temple C.O.G.I.C. Interment will follow at Upper Alton Cemetery. Pastor Kenneth Campbell will officiate. Guest registry and condolences are available at: www.harrisonfuneralchapel.com
Harrison Funeral Chapel
