Rockmart, Georgia – Lela Ann Parris, a lifelong resident of Rockmart and a devoted fan of the Atlanta Braves, passed away Tuesday morning, March 10, 2026, at the age of 88. Her passing marks the end of an era for her family and the Morning View Baptist Church community, where she was a dedicated member. Mrs. Parris’s life was characterized by her dedication to family, her simple pleasures, and her unwavering support for her favorite teams.
Born on September 21, 1937, in Montgomery, Alabama, to Barney Hood and Augusta Pyron Hood, Lela Ann Parris spent the majority of her life in Rockmart, Georgia. She embraced the role of housewife and homemaker, creating a nurturing environment for her family. Beyond her domestic life, Mrs. Parris found joy in leisure activities, most notably playing bingo and passionately following the Atlanta Braves baseball team. She also enjoyed the spectacle of professional wrestling, regularly watching WWE Wrestling, according to an obituary published by Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home. Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home
A Life Rooted in Family and Faith
Mrs. Parris’s life was marked by both joy and sorrow. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Parris, and three of her children: Brenda Coats, Andrea Howard, and Tim Parris. She also mourned the loss of grandsons Kevin Howard and James Screws, and great-granddaughters J’Mea Bryant and A’Nya Bryant. Despite these hardships, her faith and family remained central to her life. She found solace and strength in her membership at Morning View Baptist Church, a cornerstone of her community involvement.
She is survived by her sons, Steve Parris (Shelia) and Mike Parris (Patricia), as well as eleven grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, and fourteen great-great-grandchildren. The extensive family network speaks to the enduring legacy she built throughout her 88 years. Funeral services are scheduled to be held at Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home in Rockmart on March 13, with visitation from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Eastern time, followed by the funeral service at 12:00 pm Eastern time. Details regarding the services can be found on the Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home website.
The Braves and Beyond: A Passion for Entertainment
Lela Parris’s enthusiasm for the Atlanta Braves was a defining characteristic, reflecting a lifelong connection to the sport of baseball. While the 2025 season proved to be a challenging one for the team, with a slow start and inconsistent performance, her dedication remained unwavering. A recent analysis on Battery Power noted the difficulties faced by the Braves during the 2025 season, mirroring a period of personal challenges for many fans. Battery Power
Beyond baseball, Mrs. Parris found entertainment in the world of professional wrestling, specifically WWE Wrestling. This interest highlights a diverse range of passions that brought joy to her life. Her enjoyment of bingo further illustrates her appreciation for simple pleasures and social interaction. These hobbies provided her with opportunities for relaxation, camaraderie, and a sense of community.
Remembering Lela Ann Parris
The passing of Lela Ann Parris represents a loss not only to her immediate family but also to the wider Rockmart community. Her dedication to her faith, her love for her family, and her enthusiasm for the Atlanta Braves and WWE Wrestling will be fondly remembered by those who knew her. She embodied the values of a devoted housewife and homemaker, creating a lasting impact on the lives of those around her.
The family requests that those wishing to honor her memory consider sending flowers or planting a tree in her name. These gestures serve as a tangible expression of sympathy and a lasting tribute to her life. The Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home is accepting floral arrangements and tree planting donations. More information can be found on their website.
Services Information
- Visitation: March 13, 2026, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (Eastern time) at Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home, 304 West Elm Street, Rockmart, GA 30153
- Funeral Service: March 13, 2026, 12:00 pm (Eastern time) at Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home, 304 West Elm Street, Rockmart, GA 30153
As the community mourns her loss, the legacy of Lela Ann Parris will continue to inspire those who knew her. Her life serves as a reminder of the importance of family, faith, and finding joy in the simple things. The family appreciates the outpouring of support during this difficult time.
The next step for the family is the completion of arrangements following the funeral service. Further details regarding memorial contributions or other commemorative events will be announced in the coming days. We encourage readers to share their memories of Lela Ann Parris in the comments below, celebrating her life and the impact she had on those around her.
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