Not only did she raise seven children of her own, Cornelia E. Parrott helped raise Greg and Griffin Fernandez, the children of Dr. Frank and Mrs. Fernandez, with whom she was employed as a domestic homemaker. Her parenting skills had her friends and family affectionately calling her “Momma Pete.”
She was a mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. On Friday, Sept. 27, 2013, Ms. Parrott died.
Ms. Parrott was born on Feb. 9, 1927, the second eldest child in her family. At an early age she became a Christian and joined Mt. Gilead Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Spencer and J. Redell Parrott; a brother, Earl Parrott; a son-in-law, John K. Roots; and special friend Earl Bartlett.
Ms. Parrott is survived by her daughters, Ann Roots, Jean Berkley, and Zennie Parrott; sons, Leon (Jean), Frank (Gloria), John (Voncile), and Milton; brothers Lorenzo, Richard, Rayford (Carlene); sisters Margaret Washington, Julia Harrod and Lynette Parrott; grandchildren Yolanda Parrott, John Parrott, Cassandra Jones, Frank Parrott, Jr., Donna Huskey, Craig Parrott, Bradford Parrott, Tracy Harrod, Chris Parrott, Tina Walker, Derrick Roots, Ardana Berkley, Christina Parrott, Alisha Berkley, LaToya Roots, Tam Fields, Andre Parrott, Tisha Washington, Shawn Parrott, and Chanta Washington; 27 great-grandchildren, her extended family the Cookes; and a host of other loving nieces, nephews and relatives.
Ms. Parrott’s funeral was held Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, at New Zion Baptist Church with the Rev. Ronald A. Cuffee and the Rev. Robert A. Whitehead officiating. Interment was held at Williamsburg Memorial Park with the viewing on Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, in the funeral home.
Ms. Parrott’s family would like to send a special thank you to Katina Robinson for her love and devotion to their mother and family and a special thank you to the staff of Sentara Hospice Care and Hope in Home Care.
Express your condolences at Whiting’s Funeral Home online.
To see a full listing of WY Daily Obituaries click here.
