If the Village of Lexington were to have royalty, Carol Parkison would undoubtedly be its Countess. Not due to any claim of superiority, but for her profound dedication to the Village, its residents, and the advancement of the community. She embodied unwavering support, standing by her husband during his nearly four-decade tenure as the Village’s Mayor. In knowing Lexington, one could not help but become acquainted with Carol Parkison and the fervor she held for the community’s growth.
Carol A. Parkison, age 75 of Lexington, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital under hospice care and surrounded by her loving family. She was selfless, loving, giving, generous, determined, fearless, and adventurous. She wouldn’t take ‘no’ as an answer, always pushing the limits to achieve what she knew she could. Her spirit of determination was matched only by her kindness and her ability to make others feel special.
Born on December 10, 1947, in Mansfield, OH, Carol was the daughter of Fred & Ruth (Lewis) Marshman. A graduate of Lexington High School’s class of 1965, she was a proud alumnus and continued to meet with classmates with mini-reunions monthly. She further pursued education at The Ohio State University at Mansfield. Carol worked as the business manager for the Mansfield Symphony Youth Orchestra for many years, impacting countless students’ lives.
On March 25, 1972, she married Eugene Parkison and the couple honeymooned in Tennessee, the first of many cherished memories they would create together. Carol’s love and dedication extended beyond her marriage; she was an extraordinary mother to her two sons, Tim and Todd. She was the master of the ‘long goodbye’, especially when saying goodbye on the telephone to her boys, showing her incredible sentimentality and love.
Carol was avidly outdoorsy, finding solace and adventure in tent camping. An emblem of her spirit, she hiked Mt. LeConte twice a year, a remarkable 17 times. Her fearless determination wasn’t limited to the outdoors; she conquered cancer and then volunteered at The James Cancer Center, where her dedication was acknowledged with the Volunteer of the Year award. She fearlessly faced cancer and generously gave speeches to inspire others going through treatment at The James.
Carol’s love for her community led her to create enduring traditions. She founded ‘Light Up Lexington,’ a beacon of seasonal delight that continues to illuminate hearts to this day. Notably, she embraced the spirit of giving by portraying Mrs. Claus for this cherished event. She reprised her role of Mrs. Claus, with her husband by her side as Santa, at The James around the holidays bringing joy to staff and patients alike.
Carol’s vibrant energy and unwavering commitment also extended to monumental milestones. With her characteristic determination and attention to detail, she was instrumental in the grand celebration of the 176th Anniversary of the Village of Lexington. This colossal event was a testament to her indomitable spirit, leaving an imprint on the village she cherished so dearly.
Her compassion extended even to the smallest details—ensuring that those around her had their favorite food or specialty item. Carol had a knack for putting others first, even to a fault, embodying the essence of generosity.
She leaves behind her loving husband of nearly 52 years, Eugene Parkison of Lexington, Ohio; two sons, Tim & Lisa Parkison of Huron, OH, and Todd Parkison & Rachel Pavey of Castalia, OH; grandchildren Tanner and Rylee Parkison of Castalia, OH; her mother Ruth A. Adkins of Mansfield, OH; her brother James & Liane Marshman of St. Petersburg, FL; numerous nieces and nephews including her brother’s daughter Julie Evans from Sydney, Australia; and her cherished canine companions: Bob, Maggie, Bella, and Logan.
Carol was preceded in death by her father, Fred Marshman and daughter-in-law Kelly Parkison.
The family will receive friends on Monday, August 14, 2023, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 PM and 7:00 – 9:00 PM at Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel, 2553 Lexington Ave, Mansfield, Ohio 44904. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at the Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel, with Celebrant Jerry Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in Lexington Cemetery.
In honor of Carol’s enduring spirit and her commitment to others, memorial contributions are suggested to: OhioHealth Hospice, 335 Glessner Ave, Mansfield, OH 44903 or online at https://foundation.ohiohealth.com/hospice, or The James Fund for Life, 460 W. 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210 or online at https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/310921
Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel, is honored to serve the Parkison family. Share a memory of Carol at SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home, Lexington Avenue Family-Owned Chapel
Website: https://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Carol-A-Parkison?obId=28671083#/obituaryInfo