Galhia Parris

Galhia Eizabeth White Parris, affectionately known as “Gail” was born on March 17, 1944 to the union of Minnie McCleary White and William Curtis “Bus” White. She was born in Bradley County and raised in Charleston, Tennessee. She attended College Hill School, Class of 1962 in Cleveland, Tennessee and attended Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina. Gahlia loved her church and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She confessed her faith and was baptized at an early age. Her spiritual journey began when she started playing the piano for the church at the tender young age of 8 and continued to play until her health no longer allowed at the age of 76 years of age. Her favorite quote was “Don’t worry about me, God got me” and if you knew Gail, you knew that she expressed a deep sense of faith and trust in God even in difficult situations. Gail’s laughter, the love for family and the unwavering and unselfishlysupport of helping others will never be forgotten. Her time at Watson Chapel included many other titles such as Class Leader, Secretary, Treasurer, District Conference Delegate, Trustee, Sunday School Teacher and Women’s Home & Overseas Missionary Society.

She gave her heart and soul for 47 years as a longtime employee with JCPenney’s. She was 1 of 5 employees who worked at all the Cleveland store locations: Downtown, Cleveland Mall (Life Care Center Building) and the current location at Paul Huff Parkway. She was known for passionately helping and assisting customers. Although, she was the supervisor for the Jewelry and Men’s Department you would often find her in other departments or sneaking off to the bank, Dairy Kreme or Dick’s Graphics.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George “GT” Parris, her mother Minnie White, her father William “Bus” White and adopted Mother Lillian Moore.

Gahlia leaves cherish memories to her son Terry Lorenzo Parris and daughter Lisa Gail Parris; Two Sisters-in-law Mary Parris (Atlanta, Georgia) and Odessa Ross (San Antonio Texas). One Brother-in-law Odell Parris (Cleveland, Ohio). One Uncle, Sherman McCleary (Charleston, Tennessee). Goddaughters: Donna Brice McDermott, Whitney Rutledge. Adopted Goddaughters: Kelbi Pearson and Imani McCleary and other countless children, young ladies and men that she nurtured and loved along the way.Special Cousins: Linda & Brenda Greathouse and Sharon Jarrett. A host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Funeral services will be Monday, July 7, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Watson Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church 311 Market St in Charleston, TN with Sister Karen King officiating and Pastor Rev. Joseph Holmes delivering the eulogy. Family will receive friends one hour before the service from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow the service at Sunset Memorial Gardens.