Katherine J. Parris

Katherine J. Parris, age 73, longtime resident of Salem Township, passed away peacefully at home on May 18, 2025. She was born on December 9, 1951 in Dayton, Ohio; daughter of Lawrence and Amanda (Jones) Brown. Katherine was united in marriage to David W. Parris, her high school sweetheart on August 28, 1971; they spent 53 years lovingly devoted to one another.

Katherine grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida moving to Michigan at the age of 14. As a child she enjoyed summers with her grandparents in Morehead, Kentucky and treasured her many aunts, uncles and cousins there. She graduated from Milan High School with the Class of 1970. A lifelong believer in the value of education, she returned to school later in life while raising her children and managing a busy home. She began her studies at the University of Michigan before transferring to Eastern Michigan University, where she proudly earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Following her graduation from high school, Katherine, who studied cosmetology, put her training to use by working at the hair salon in Jacobson’s Department Store in Ann Arbor. Though her career eventually took a different direction, cutting hair remained a constant in her life; she was always happy to offer haircuts to visiting family and her children’s friends who came to the house to play. Katherine briefly taught elementary education at Willow Run Community Schools and later served as a substitute teacher in the South Lyon School District during the late 1980s. She went on to enjoy a long and fulfilling career with Northwest Airlines, later Delta, working as an airline reservation specialist for more than 20 years before retiring in 2009.

Above all else, Katherine was a devoted woman of faith who loved the Lord deeply. She lived her life with purpose, always grounded in her beliefs, and was committed to sharing her faith with those around her. Her greatest joy came from leading others to Christ through both her words and actions. A longtime member of Ward Presbyterian Church, Katherine used her gift for teaching to serve in the Sunday School program, including teaching a spirited class of fifth-grade boys. Each summer, she found special fulfillment in volunteering with Vacation Bible School, where she created engaging, interactive experiences that brought the Bible and faith to life for children. In recent years, Katherine deepened her spiritual journey by exploring the Hebrew roots of the Christian faith, embracing traditions such as observing the Sabbath. She was a member of Beit Tehila in Brandon, Florida, and faithfully attended services online when she was away from the area.

Katherine and her husband were longtime snowbirds, spending their winters in sunny Florida. She loved the beach, whether basking in the warmth of Florida’s coast or enjoying the summer sun along Michigan’s lakeshores. An avid traveler, Katherine explored the world, visiting destinations such as Germany, Israel, France, and Italy. At home, Katherine found joy in gardening. She tended to a vegetable garden where tomatoes, green beans, yellow squash and zucchini were always a staple. Katherine cultivated beautiful flowers, including sunflowers, irises, tulips, crocus, and peonies. She brightened up the yard every spring by planting colorful pansies.

Katherine was a devoted wife and mother who cherished every moment spent with her family. She especially adored young children and formed lasting bonds with her nieces and nephews, making every effort to stay connected and involved in their lives. She had a heart for hospitality, and Thanksgiving was her favorite time to gather loved ones. Her table was always open; no one was ever left without a place to go, and all were welcome in her home. Katherine will be remembered for her unwavering faith and the deep love she had for her family and friends. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved her.

Katherine is survived by her loving husband, David Parris; her children, Karen (Charlie) Forbes and Brian (Natalie) Parris; her granddaughters, Alexandra and Camille; her siblings, John (Sheila Pond) Brown, David (Lyudmila) Brown, and Stephen (Sue) Brown; many nieces and nephews; and her extended family of Brown half siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents.

The Visitation will be held Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held, Friday, May 30, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions to Michigan Parkinson Foundation, 30400 Telegraph Road, Suite 150, Bingham Farms, MI 48025.