Barbara Parnell

Service will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Binnsville Methodist Church in Kemper County, with the burial to follow in the Binnsville Cemetery.  Rev. Adrian Holley, Aaron McLeod, and Rev. Wilson Kendrick will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until service time on Tuesday at the church. 

Barbara Parnell, a native and lifelong resident of Scooba, MS, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. She graduated from DeKalb High School and East Mississippi Community College with a degree in business, where she proudly served as a majorette in the band. In 1963, she married the love of her life, Wilton "Noot" Parnell, sharing 57 beautiful years together until his passing in 2020. Barbara dedicated 46 years to DeKalb Insurance Agency as a secretary, where she was known for her professionalism and warm spirit, before retiring in 2014. Barbara found joy in life’s simple pleasures—working in her yard, playing the piano, shopping when she got the chance, and caring for her many beloved cats. Above all, she cherished time spent with family and friends, creating memories that will be treasured forever. 

She was a member of Binnsville Methodist Church, and starting at the age of 13, she was the church piano player for 65 years. She loved attending her church and spending time with her church family.

Survivors include her daughter, Patti (Todd) McKee of Philadelphia; son, Perry (Patricia) Parnell of Pearl; grandchildren, Joel (Tamara) McKee and Caleb (Marlee) McKee; great-grandchildren, John Thomas McKee, Allie McKee, Lucy McKee, Smith McKee, and Wilton Wells McKee; a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilton "Noot" Parnell; granddaughter, Leslie Hannah Parnell; parents, James and Vera Anderson; and brother, J. R. Anderson.