Graveside services for Karen Lee Parrish 68, of Brownwood will be held at 1 PM Saturday April 13, 2013 at Eastlawn Memorial Cemetery, under the direction of Brownwood Funeral Home and Cremations. Karen passed away March 27, 2013 in a local nursing home.

Karen was born Aug. 6, 1944, in Ranger, the daughter of L.K.”Bill” and Olivia Heun Mullins. She was a 1962 graduate of Brownwood High School. As a military wife, she lived all over the U.S. and also overseas. She joyfully returned “home” to Brownwood in 2009.

Karen had many “careers” over the years. Most recently, she worked as a care giver in a group home. Karen was a nurturer. She delighted in feeding the birds and squirrels in her back yard and was devoted to looking after the men living at the home. She was a gifted cook and an accomplished seamstress. No one loved spending a Saturday morning shopping garage sales and turning cast-offs to treasures more than Karen.

Karen became a Christian as a young girl and her abiding faith gave her comfort and peace in these last few months when she was so ill. She was Baptist.

Karen’s survivors include her children, sons, Wendell “Chip” Parrish Jr. of Golden, Col. and Bryan Parrish (Heather) of Brownwood; daughters, Cheri McCormick of Golden, Col. and Geri Terry of Denver, Col.; brother Ted Mullins (Doris) of Lancaster, California; sisters Shirlee Lee (Jimmy) of Depot, Texas and Deborah Kilgore (Jim) of Zephyr; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; aunt Willie Ruth Hoffman of Stevensville, Mont.; brother-in-law Art Smith of Brownwood; and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind special life-friends Carolyn Moulton of Grand Prairie and Carolyn Briggs of Sterling City, Col.

Karen was preceded in death by both parents and sister Sue Smith.

To the staffs of Solaris Hospice and Songbird Nursing Home, the family wishes to offer their deepest gratitude for the loving care and comfort given Karen. Rest in peace our beloved sister, mother and friend.