Elaine Allen Parrish

Elaine Allen Parrish, age 77, passed away peacefully in Raleigh on Monday, April 20, 2026. She was born on April 4, 1949, in Smithfield NC.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Joseph Alton Allen and Sallie Williford Allen; as well as her brothers James E (Jimmy) Allen and Joseph H. (Tommy) Allen, Sr., and sister Sallie Jean Allen.

Elaine was strong in her faith with Christ and loved her friends and family fiercely. She was raised on a farm, the youngest of six. She had a lifelong desire to learn and try new things. She started her entrepreneurial career at eighteen after her marriage to Charlie Parrish. Elaine started working in the family clothing businesses – Parrish’s Children Shop and the Barnyard; two adjacent clothing stores in downtown Smithfield. She led these businesses for over twenty years making life-long friends as people shopped there from all over the county. After closing the stores, Elaine’s curiosity had her exploring various occupations such as real estate broker, life insurance and mutual funds salesperson, tax preparer, hair stylist, bank operations, and finally processing insurance claims for physician’s offices. During these times, Elaine moved to Clayton and later Morehead City where she enjoyed the beach, shopping for clothes and antiques and beach music dancing. Upon retirement, she moved to Raleigh to be closer to her family.

She loved to cook and was constantly trying to feed anyone she met. She had a passion for browsing and shopping; searching for deals that she frequently bought to give to someone else. She was unimaginably independent and lived on her own (against her sons’ wishes!) until January of this year. Her support and love for her family were unwavering, and she was extremely proud of her two sons and doted on her grandkids. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her sons; Christopher (Colleen) and Anthony (Susan) and grandchildren: Ella, Keegan, Declan and Olivia. In addition, she is survived by her sisters Margie Allen and Carolyn Davis and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Last but certainly not least, she is survived by her former husband, Charles Parrish. Elaine and Charles were married for over twenty years and divorced over thirty but managed to stay in each other’s lives during this entire time. Eight years ago, Elaine lost her ability to drive, and Charlie became one of her primary Uber drivers. He escorted her to family functions and doctors’ visits. During her last few months, he visited her multiple times per week bringing her homemade ice cream which brought her much joy and comfort.

In keeping with Mom’s wishes of “not making a fuss”, the family will hold a private celebration of life in the near future.

The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake & Johnston County (https://wakejohnstonbgc.org/) or Garner Lions Club (https://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/garnernc/) in Elaine’s name.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.parrishfh.com