Barbara Jean Parish, aged 81, of Reliance, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 29, 1943, to the late Thurman Coy Parish and Susie King Parish, Barbara was a cherished member of the community and a devoted member of Hiwassee Union Baptist Church.

Barbara dedicated nearly 40 years of her life to teaching at the Polk County Department of Education, where she was a highly respected educator who influenced the lives of hundreds of students. Her kindness and dedication left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Bess Parish Ross. She is survived by her children, Stephen (Debbie) Bates and Leanne (Douthitt) Page; her grandchildren, Tasha Bates, Stephanie Bates, Caleb Staton, Patrick Myers, Kaitlyn Page, Olivia McCann, and Sophia McCann; and her great-grandchildren, Briana Lewis and Bryson Lewis. She also leaves behind her siblings, Mary Parish Brooks and Thurman C. Parish Jr., along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends whose lives she touched.

A graveside committal service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Hiwassee Union Baptist Church, with Chaplain David King presiding. Her family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home.