Missing Her - Theda Joyce Parsons

Theda Joyce Parsons

My amazing Dad and Grandma

At my Dad's induction ceremony into the Franklin High School Athletics Hall of Fame.
Grandma was the nation's leading scorer in basketball and was recruited to play on the
first professional women's basketball team, The All-American Red Heads.  

My sweet babies with Grandma.  Oh how they loved her and she loved them. 

I miss her.  We all miss her.  She was pure light. 

And I know for a fact that without the influence of the strong women role models in my family, like Grandma Theda, Grandma Juanita and my Mom, I wouldn't have a furniture business.  

I wouldn't have been able to weather multiple storms this past year.  I wouldn't be who I am today.  

I love her dearly and will miss her every day.

Theda Joyce Parsons, age 83, of Miamisburg, passed away on Thursday, May 12, 2011 surrounded by family at Sycamore Hospital. Born on May 9, 1928 to Ruby and Harve Parsons, Theda grew up in St. Charles, VA with eight brothers and sisters. While in high school, she was named the nation's leading scorer for girls' basketball and was invited to join the first women's professional basketball team, The All American Red Heads. Her love for athletics continued throughout her life as she was an active booster and supporter of all sporting teams at Franklin High School. Theda was blessed with two great loves in her life. She fell in love with and married Clifford Parsons of St. Charles, VA on October 14, 1946. They spent thirty-four wonderful years together until his death in 1981. Together, they had one son, Barry Parsons, the light of their lives. Theda has spent the last twenty-six years with her loving, devoted partner, Cal Deeter, also of Miamisburg, Ohio. 

In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Theda was a valued employee in Quality Control for Carrolton Envelope/Kimberly-Clark until she retired. In work and in life, Theda was known for her compassion, sense of humor, positive spirit and beautiful smile. 

She lived most of her adult life in Franklin, where she was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church.  Theda loved being involved with the Clothing Ministry, cooking meals for the needy and working with the little ones in the nursery.  She cherished every moment with her dear friends from the church. 

Theda was preceded in death by her parents, Harve and Ruby Parsons, brothers Gene and Paul, and sister Eileen.  She is survived by her sisters, Imogene Crum of Las Vegas, NV, Rita Jenkins of Cleveland, OH, Ann Anderson of Titusville, FL, and brother Lynn Parsons of Cincinnati, OH; son Barry Parsons, and daughter-in-law Cheryl of Defiance, OH; granddaughter Traci McMullen and husband Phil and their children Chase (4) and Riley Paige (2) of San Francisco, CA; and granddaughter Kiersten Hathcock and husband Scott and their children Noah (12) and Grace (8) of Los Angeles, CA.  She is also survived by six nieces and nephews: Andy, Tim, Michelle, Kim, Jill, and Karen.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 12:00 PM with Vernon Risner officiating at Anderson Funeral Home (Franklin) Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until time of service. Burial will be in Butler County Memorial Park.

To honor Theda, memorial contributions can be sent to First Baptist Church, 16 West Second Street, Franklin, OH 45005, in lieu of flowers. www.anderson-fh.com.