Ellwanda S. Parris

Ellwanda S. Parris, age 98, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, and devoted educator, peacefully passed away on September 25, 2024 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She was born on April 24, 1926, Chesnee, South Carolina, to the late Tom and Ruby Blackwell Scruggs; she was the eldest of ten children.

A proud graduate of Chesnee High School and Gardner-Webb University, she exemplified the values of learning and growth throughout her life. Ellwanda dedicated her career to the field of education, teaching in Chesnee and at Whitney Elementary School. She retired as a teacher with the Vocational Rehabilitation Center, where she made a significant impact on the lives of many individuals. 

Ellwanda was deeply involved in her church community. She was a former Sunday School teacher and a dedicated member of Calvary Baptist Church in Spartanburg. She was a current member of First Baptist North Spartanburg, where she actively contributed to the children's program and the care of children.

Ellwanda is the loving mother to her sons, Willard Dale Parris (Pat) of Murrells Inlet, SC, and Cary Stephan Parris (Kathy) of Woodruff, SC, and her daughter, Ingrid Parris Calhoun (Bob) of Boiling Springs, SC. Grandmother, to David Joe Reaves (DJ),  Courtney Parris Bond (Sean), and Christie Munn (John). Great grandmother to, Chelsea Cook (Matt), Taylor Nicole Allen, Madison Rose Bond, Cooper James Bond, Jacob Munn, and Amber Munn. Great great grandmother to, Elena Rose Cook, Josephine June Cook, Lena Grace Bishop and Rylee James Bishop.   Ellwanda also leaves behind her siblings, Sam Scruggs, Betty Cash, Nancy Ford, Brenda Hoy, Judy Redington, and Tom Scruggs.

Ellwanda is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Jesse Willard Parris, whom she loved dearly, and her daughter, Wanda Parris Reaves, her grandson, Robert Wayne Reaves, and her sisters, Cornelia (Tootsie) Eaker and Laura Ann Powell, as well as her brother, Major Banks (MB) Scruggs.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, October 6, 2024, in Springhill Memorial Gardens in Chesnee, SC, service will be officiated by the Rev. Doug Turner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to First Baptist North Spartanburg, Children’s Program, 8740 Asheville Hwy, Spartanburg, SC 29316.

A special thanks to Paula Eaker and Crystal Powell for being such loving and dedicated caregivers and to Agape Hospice, especially Lynda Miller for always making mom laugh and dance and to Jessica Yoth for giving such compassionate care.

Ellwanda S. Parris will be remembered for her faith, laughter, love for her family, and her big heart for all children. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and a passion for learning.