Dorothy Charlene Parchmont of Nederland, Texas, passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont after courageously fighting a long illness. She was 77 years old.
Born in Guanaja Bay Islands, Honduras on March 7, 1946, she was the daughter of Hervey and Zora Phillips. In October of 1980, with a desire to provide better opportunities for their children, she and her husband bought a home in Nederland, TX and began their new adventure in the U.S. She enjoyed the early years following their transition by supporting her children, her family, and her church. She was crafty, learning skills like sewing and crocheting. She even took a cake decorating class and used the newfound skill so that her children and others enjoyed decorated cakes that she lovingly made. She had the gift of hospitality, and she was an excellent cook who always made sure people had full bellies when given the opportunity to share her home cooked meals with them. Sabbath mornings would find her faithfully attending services at Groves Community Seventh-Day Adventist Church where she graciously helped with Sabbath School song service and was involved with the youth by volunteering with Pathfinders as the cook. When her husband, Nathaniel, passed away in 1985, showing her strength and determination, she sought employment so that she could continue to pursue opportunities for her family. For 25 years, she was the devoted employee for the Shepherd family, serving as their nanny and housekeeper. Through this, she earned her beloved nickname, “Nanny,” a name that many would affectionately call her. Through hard work and sacrifice, she continued to support her kids, making sure that basic needs were met, seeing that each received their education, and that each had the opportunity to know God. She loved being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and family. Christmas was her favorite time to be together. She especially enjoyed any opportunity to travel with them. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Hervey, and Zora Phillips; husband of twenty years, Nathaniel H. Parchmont; two brothers Willis Phillips and Ander Phillips; and her brother-in-law Ricardo Wood.
She is survived by her four children and their spouses: three sons, Elliott Parchmont and wife Jordanna of Conroe, TX; Brian Parchmont and wife Tina of Nederland, TX; Graydon Parchmont and wife Rhonda of Beaumont, TX; one daughter Eloise Friesen and husband Jeremy of Richardson, TX. Her ten grandchildren: Crystal, Audrey, and Alina Parchmont; Braddock, Taylor and Chloe Parchmont; Peyton and Presley Parchmont; and Addisyn and Nathaniel Friesen. Her siblings—two sisters: Virginia Wood, and Josie Rhodes and husband Tommy; three brothers: Hal Phillips and wife Kathy; Audley Phillips and wife Isolina; Mel Phillips and wife Tirza; and two sisters-in-law: Sheila Phillips and Reina Phillips.
We look forward to the hope that is in Christ. Revelation 21:1-4.