Mrs. Ava Dean Addison Parvin, of Vinemont, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at the age of 92. As was her wish, she lived out her days independently at home.
Mrs. Parvin was born in Marion County, Alabama on July 28, 1929, the next to the youngest of eight children. She grew up on a rural farm with her siblings and was an active member of Myers Hill Missionary Baptist Church. She attended Sunny Home Grammar School and graduated from nearby Brilliant High School in 1947. Mrs. Parvin cherished the memories of her school experiences and especially enjoyed playing basketball with her sisters on the varsity team.
At the age of 18, Mrs. Parvin spearheaded her family’s move to Birmingham to seek fresh career opportunities, working for Southern Bell and later, AT&T, for nearly 40 years.
Soon after relocating to Birmingham, she met young Ralph Parvin, who became her husband of 66 years. She resided in several locations in the greater Birmingham area, including West End and Fairfield and was a longtime member of Berney Points Baptist Church.
Mrs. Parvin moved to Vinemont in 1983 to be close to her daughter and grandchildren. Having been raised on a farm, she and husband Ralph planted a large garden each spring and took joy in sharing the bounty of their summer harvest with family and friends.
Mrs. Parvin soon joined First Baptist Church of Cullman, was a faithful member of the Fellowship Sunday School Class and served in various layperson positions there for many years. In retirement, she also embarked on ministerial pursuits, often combining her Christian faith, generous spirit and love of good food. Mrs. Parvin accompanied her husband on several mission trips across America, preparing meals for the construction crews who volunteered to build churches.
Having grown up during the Great Depression, Mrs. Parvin knew what it was like to wake up on Christmas morning to find a stocking that contained only an apple and an orange. Therefore, she especially enjoyed the opportunity to participate in Christmas Love, helping to ensure that families and children in Cullman had a happy Christmas. For many years, she also helped prepare the First Baptist Church Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, an event designed to provide a traditional holiday meal for the underprivileged in our community.
Mrs. Parvin was preceded in death by her husband: Ralph Glenn Parvin; parents: James Allen Addison and Carrie Margie Mayes Addison and siblings: Will Addison, Willard Addison, Gordon Addison, Lon Addison, Eunice Barrett, Emily Edgeworth and Kathryn Gates.
She is survived by her daughter: Karen Lynn Parvin Wyatt (R. K.); grandchildren: Nathan Brantley Wyatt (Sharon) and Rachel Alison Wyatt; great-grandchildren: Madeline Claire Wyatt, Aaron Michael Wyatt, Andrew Stephen Wyatt, Vivian Therese Wyatt and Micah Thomas Wyatt; sisters-in-law: Ann Parvin McConnell (Gene) and Betty Parvin Nix Jackson, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews. They all aspire to her shining examples of perseverance, generosity, devotion to family and unflagging faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In accordance with Mrs. Parvin’s diligent adherence to COVID-19 public health guidelines and concern for the safety and well-being of others, a private graveside service will be held for family and close friends, with facemasks and social distancing required.
Dr. Ernest “Skip” Parvin will officiate, and Gloria Parvin will provide music. Cullman Heritage Funeral Home will oversee the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Good Samaritan Health Clinic or Cullman Caring for Kids.
