Martha S. Parris

Martha S. Parris Pickens, South Carolina Martha S. Parris of Pickens, SC, passed away in her home on December 3, 2022. She came to rest in the company of her family and her beloved cat. She is survived by her husband, Jackson Parris; her daughter, Keely Mabry (Billy); her best friend, Sherri Beyke; and her pets: Bizzi, Hamish, Ghillie, and Buttercup. Martha was a graduate of Saint Angela’s Academy in Aiken, South Carolina. She earned her B.A. in Modern Foreign Languages and her Master’s in French Education from Furman University. Martha loved adventure and traveled extensively solo as well as with family and friends. She also enthusiastically braved travel with her French students throughout her career as an educator. Martha started her career in education teaching French at Westminster High School and moved to Walhalla High School where she spent almost 30 years encouraging and inspiring students to meet their full potential and become their best selves while also helping them expand their knowledge of the world by immersing them in the French culture and language through film, literature, and food. She completed her career educating International Baccalaureate students at Southside High School and retired in 2012. Martha actively participated as a board member for the Craig Memorial Cemetery and the Historic Old Pickens Presbyterian Church Foundation for many years. Upon retirement, Martha enjoyed spending her time as a volunteer with the Holly Springs Center, Hagood Mill, the Hagood Community Center, and the Pickens County Historical Society. She loved teaching Appalachian cooking at the YAMs camp in the summer. She found great joy while volunteering for the Upstate Quilt Heritage Trail, and her creativity is in many of the quilt squares found throughout Pickens County. On most Wednesdays, the “Mayor” of the Jockey Lot could be found admiring and appreciating all the fascinating curiosities to be found and would write about her discoveries to the enjoyment of family and friends. Martha adored the spring, and she and Jack spent many days looking for wildflowers in the Nine Times Preserve. Martha delighted in her home most of all – it was a place of grounding and peace. She could be found on the deck listening to the creek and taking in the beauty of it all. From Martha to us all: “So, in the end, remember always do your best; set and follow high standards; balance your heart and mind in making decisions; and make something amazing out of your life. Oh, and never stop learning. I’ll leave you with this…Life is not forever, love is.” In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: Christ Central Mission Station – Joanna c/o: Erica Goldsmith 11 Ghana Drive Greenville, SC 29605 Ph. 864.386.5001 PayPal: https://www/paypal.me/EMGDreamer1 Memorial Services will be held at a later date. Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Parris family.

Martha S. Parris

April 4, 1951 - December 3, 2022