Roanoke, Va./Big Stone Gap, Va.-Gwendola "Gwen" Kay Flanary Parsons, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 14th, 2023, at Lewis Gale Hospital in Salem, Virginia. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories.
Gwen was born on February 1, 1940, in Keokee, Virginia, to the late Cordie Bush Flanary and Hubert Flanary. She grew up alongside her sister and friend, Norma Gay Flanary Carroll. Gwen was preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles "Curt" Parsons, and her beloved grandson, Casey Vaughn.
Gwen was a devoted mother to her three children: Lisa Herron, Sharon Vaughn, and Tammy Jones. She adored her seven grandchildren: Alex Jones, Brittany Bowman, Caleb Herron, Isaac Vaughn, Sarah Hall, Stephanie Reese, and Travis Surrett. Additionally, she was blessed with nine great-grandchildren: Arianna Bowman, Bentley Surrett, Carley Surrett, Hailey Reese, Kaidence Surrett, Kaislee Vaughn, Nevaeh Surrett, Quinten Jones, and Ryleigh Jones.
After a fulfilling career, Gwen retired from the housekeeping department at Lonesome Pine Hospital, where she found joy in interacting with everyone she met. Her warm and friendly nature endeared her to both colleagues and patients.
Gwen will be most remembered for her generous spirit, unwavering love for her family and friends, and her big heart. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her beautiful spirit and the values she taught her family will live on for generations to come.
Gwen was a long-standing member of the Cornerstone House of Prayer in Big Stone Gap. A service to celebrate her life will be held 1:00pm at the church on July 19th, 2023 with Rev. Bud Kilbourne and Rev. Eddie Kilbourne officiating. The family will receive friends from noon to 1:00pm. Following the service, Gwen will be laid to rest at Powell Valley Cemetery in Dryden, Virginia.
In this time of mourning, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Gwen's memory to the ministries being carried out by the Cornerstone House of Prayer, 103 E. 27th St., S., Big Stone Gap, VA 24219, reflecting her lifelong dedication to helping others.
Gilliam Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve Mrs. Parsons’ family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral homes Facebook page.