Marva Jo Parrish

On January 31, 1949 a baby girl was born to George Waldron and Freddie Mae Jackson. They named her Marva Jo, fondly known as "Smokey." Marva Jo was born and reared in Coweta, Oklahoma. She was a 1967 graduate of Coweta Public Schools where she was an outstanding member of the Lady Tigers basketball team. Upon graduating from high school, Marva Jo married her longtime sweetheart, Lee Barnes, Sr. in 1968. From this union there were two children, Lee Barnes, Jr. and Robin Jefferson. Marva Jo dedicated her life to Christ at an early age. She first received her Christian teachings at Mt. Rose Baptist Church in Coweta, Oklahoma. After residing for many years in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Marva Jo relocated to Jacksonville, Florida where she continued her spiritual growth as a member of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church. While residing in Jacksonville, Florida, Marva Jo was employed for many years as a Human Resources Assistant with the City of Jacksonville. She also spent time as a Customer Service Manager with Wal-Mart. Marva was known for her kind heart, warm spirit, and her willingness to help family and friends. Marva Jo was preceded in death by her father and grandparents, Bud and Iola Waldron. Marva Jo departed this life on Sunday, January 6, 2008. She leaves to cherish her memories her mother and step-father, Freddie Mae and Tommy Harris of Coweta, Oklahoma; a son, Lee Barnes, Jr. of Tulsa, Oklahoma; a daughter, Robin (Antonio) Jefferson of Jacksonville, Florida; a brother, Elwyn Pruitt of Atlanta, Georgia; eight grandchildren, Darren, Jaylen and Shawn of Jacksonville, Florida and Shayla, Quanta, Miracle (Mee-Mee), LeQuan and NaTori of Tulsa, Oklahoma; a niece, Lisa Pruitt of Atlanta, Georgia; special friend, Sharel (Stan) Macon of Jacksonville, Florida; and a host of other relatives and friends.