Anita Parham

PARHAM, ANITA MARIEMemorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, October 9, 2012, at First Presbyterian Church for Anita Marie Parham, age 92, who passed away on October 6, 2012, at her residence. The Rev. Sam Lanham of First Presbyterian Church will officiate, along with the Rev. Terry Aiello of Corona, New Mexico.
Anita was born on May 9, 1920, in Howe, Texas, to Thomas Burnett and Rita Johnson.
She married Murray Parham on May 3, 1942, in Atoka, Oklahoma while Murray was on leave from his service in the U.S. Air Force. Anita and Murray were married 61 years before his death in June 2003.
It was Murrays last tour in the Air Force, that brought them to Roswell, New Mexico in 1958. Although they intended to return to Texas after Murrays tour, they formed many friendships during their first two years in Roswell, both in the community and the church, that convinced them New Mexico and in particular, Roswell, was meant to be their home.
Anita devoted nearly 25 years to teaching children in the Roswell school system, and her dedication to education and her community was evident in the many lives she touched. It wasnt uncommon for Anita to be out in the community, and a former student would stop to say hello and share a favorite memory from their time in her classroom.
Anita was also a devout member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving in many capacities throughout the 54 years in which she was a member. She continued her Christian fellowship long after Sunday services were over as she visited with friends for lunch and talked about the days sermon. She spread her Christian faith in many other aspects of her life as well, volunteering throughout the community.
Anitas love and devotion was greatest when it came to her family. With two sons, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren, Anitas heart brimmed with adoration and affection for her family. Many days and nights were spent talking for hours, sharing stories, playing endless rounds of Tripoli, sharing longheld family recipes and simply enjoying being together. It is through her family that her warmth and caring spirit will carry on for years to come.
Anita is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Burnett and Rita Johnson her husband, Murray D. Parham and her sister, Wanda Myrle Simmons.
She is survived by two sons, Chuck Lupe Parham of Houston, Texas, and Gary Olivia Parham of Irvine, California four grandchildren, Joe, Nick, Taylor and Gillian and two greatgrandchildren, Katie and Lily.
Memorial donations in Anitas name may be made to a charity of your choice.

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