Melba Ruth Layton Parkinson

Melba Ruth Layton Parkinson passed away on May 14, 2023.  Mrs. Parkinson was born on July 24, 1939 in Mendenhall, Mississippi to the late Henry Clifton Layton and the late Winnie Overby Layton. 

She is survived by her children, Dr. Rhonda Parkinson Clark, Jennifer Parkinson Burkes (Jeff), and Roy Parkinson, Jr. (Rhonda Kay); five amazing grandchildren, Tripp Parkinson (Kaitlyn), Hayden Parkinson, Gentry Burkes, Stephen Clark, and Skylar Parkinson; and three of the most precious great-grandchildren ever, twins Dru and Kash Parkinson, and Duke Parkinson.

Mrs. Parkinson is preceded by her loving husband of 50 years, Roy Parkinson Sr.; her daughter, Paula Ann Parkinson; and her granddaughter, Claudia Blair Burkes. 

Mrs. Parkinson was a homemaker while her children were growing up.  Her family was her great passion.  When her children were almost grown, she began her work with the Harrison County School District.  Mrs. Parkinson retired from the Harrison County School District after 25 years of service at Harrison Central High School and the Central Office. 

She was a beautiful person who lived her life with kindness to everyone and with a fierce love for her Lord and for her family.  Mrs. Parkinson loved shopping, clothes and decorating. She was always stunning in her appearance.  Her home was a showplace. Her smile could light up the whole room.  She cared deeply for the people around her and made an impact on many lives.  She was strong-willed and strong, but those traits were part of who she was and her strength undoubtedly helped her deal with the onset on dementia.  Even as she fell deeper into the darkness of this terrible disease, her kindness and beauty was still evident.  Toward the end of her life, she was unable to speak, but her eyes would light up whenever she heard The Old Rugged Cross or another gospel hymn.

Mrs. Parkinson will be buried next to her husband at Biloxi National Cemetery.  The service will be private.  In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that a donation be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.   

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Melba Ruth Layton Parkinson.