Martha Parris

Martha Ann Mooney Parris MONROE - Martha Ann Mooney Parris, 70, passed away Sunday, December 16, 2012. She was born in Gaffney, SC on May 24, 1942 daughter of the late James Stewart and Nora Smith Mooney. Martha owned and operated Prudential Carolinas Realty as Broker in Charge. She also served as President of the Union County Board of Realtors for 12 years earning the distinction of Realtor of the Decade and subsequently the Realtor of the Year award will now be known as the Martha Parris Realtor of the Year award in her honor. Martha was a Rotarian serving as president from 2004-2005 and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. She graduated from Winthrop College in 1964 with a BA in Music Education. Upon her marriage and moving to Monroe she taught Choral Music at Monroe High School. As a member of First Baptist Church choir for over 40 years she was a soloist and active force in the music ministry of the congregation. In addition, she sang with the Charlotte Oratorio Singers. Martha was actively involved in the life of her church where she served as a Trustee sharing her faith with fellow members and the community. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 2:00 PM in First Baptist Church of Monroe. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. A graveside service will be held Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 12:00 noon in Frederick Memorial Park, Gaffney, SC. Mrs. Parris was preceded in death by her husband, Steddy Derbin Parris, Jr. She is survived by sons, Dan Parris of Monroe, and Brent Parris of Hollywood, California, brother, Jim Mooney of Columbia, SC and three grandchildren, Luke, Spencer and Emma Parris. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, Music Program, 109 E. Morrow Ave., Monroe, NC 28112. Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave., Monroe, NC 28112 is caring for the Parris family. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com Published in Charlotte Observer on December 18, 2012.