Lynn Parsley

On March 20 our beloved Lynn Parsley started her next great adventure. We heard her utter "Yipee!" at her last breath. She knew she was entering into the deepest, fullest presence of Love. Lynn was born to Betsy and Fred Parsley in Marion, NC and brought home to Little Switzerland, NC for her happy early childhood. She was surrounded by a wonderful family and the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She later considered Winston-Salem as her hometown and graduated from RJ Reynolds High School. Her love for the Ardmore neighborhood remained deep and strong until she died. Lynn and Kathy's home on Westover Drive was a garden showplace for over 25 years. Lynn knew at age 14 that she wanted to be a family counselor and pursued her dream at UNCC and James Madison University. She was a counselor for 43 years and promised she never grew tired of helping people heal and grow. She felt so grateful to do what she loved as her career and will be remembered by countless people for her wisdom and wit. Lynn cared deeply for others and never met a stranger. She could make friends in the grocery store line. You could find her on a Sunday afternoon helping folks pick out plants in the Lowe's garden shop or engaging in random acts of kindness every chance she had. Lynn loved the arts in every facet, especially music. She enjoyed traveling the world and had awesome adventures. Lynn was a gifted storyteller and wove some great tales about her life experiences. A born comedian, she never missed a chance to tell a corny joke. Lynn adored being onstage. Throughout her life her faith was central, and she had church families who loved and supported her. As a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church for almost 30 years, she found total acceptance for who she was. There, she was given numerous opportunities to employ her gifts of teaching and leadership. She led a group in studying and encouraging spiritual growth for 22 years. That group, known as GLADS, became her closest family. Lynn often expressed profound gratitude for her wife Kathy's companionship, love, and support since 1995. They had wonderful times with each other and with really fun friends. Their home served as a refuge for loved ones in need of respite and support. Lynn fondly remembers being a resident advisor at UNCC and a sister in Delta Zeta Sorority. At James Madison University she found forever friends and an affinity for JMU sports. Lynn wanted to bid a fond farewell to The Best Book Club, The Monthly Movie Group and the monthly Cabana Night Dinner Group with whom she spent hundreds of happy hours. She expressed her gratitude to the staff at the Derrick L. Davis Cancer Center, especially Dr. Elizabeth Skinner, for six years of excellent care. Lynn also wished to thank the staff at Trellis Supportive Care for their wonderful caretaking at the end of her life. Lynn was a cherished partner, friend, teacher, counselor, author, mentor, and colleague. She leaves behind a trail of loving kindness and enthusiasm for life. She will be greatly missed. Her funeral will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Friday, March 31 at 11:00 am, and will be officiated by The Rev. Dr. Dixon Kinser. Gifts may be directed to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 520 Summit Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 or Family Services Forsyth County, 1200 S. Broad Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com