Melissa Parris

Melissa Robinson Parris, 54, of Spartanburg, SC, died Monday, December 12, 2022 at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home. Born May 15, 1968 in Spartanburg, she was the daughter of Richard Long and Bertice Teague Robinson of Roebuck, SC.

Melissa earned her Bachelor’s in Mathematics as well as a Master’s in Elementary Education from Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC. She was a 1st grade teacher for 30 years, serving Woodland Heights Elementary School for 25 years after beginning her career at Jesse Boyd Elementary. Melissa was the 2005 Spartanburg County School District Six Teacher of the Year.

A lifelong member of Central United Methodist Church, Melissa was a member of the handbell choir, taught Children’s Sunday School, and was a member of the Shephard Sunday School Class. For several years, Melissa was a Girl Scout Troop Leader for her daughters’ troop which also met at Central.

Along with her parents, she is survived by her husband of 29 years, James Kevin Parris of the home; her daughters, Katherine Adelle Parris of Spartanburg, SC; and Sarah Elizabeth Parris of Greenwood, SC; and Holly, her beloved dog, who adopted Melissa in October 2020. She is also survived by her in-laws, William Keith and Louise Mullins Parris of Spartanburg, SC. She was predeceased by her brother, Richard Long Robinson, Jr.

A Memorial service will be at 3:00 p.m. Friday, December 16, 2022 at Central United Methodist Church, 233 North Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306, conducted by The Rev. Cameron Treece, The Rev. Willie Teague, and The Rev. Luther Rickenbaker. Visitation will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall at the church. Entombment will be in the Central United Methodist Church Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Melissa Robinson Parris Scholarship Fund, c/o Spartanburg County Foundation, 424 East Kennedy Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302, online at www.spcf.org

Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel