Christine Parish, age 40, died on December 22, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, after a brave fight with colon cancer.

Christine was born and raised in Lexington Park, Maryland. She later moved to Jackson, Tennessee, in 2007. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, James H. Parish and Peggy L. Parish, and her fiancé, Clyde B. Melson, whom she cared for deeply during the last two years of his life.

The greatest joy and legacy Christine leaves behind are her three children, Emma Parish, Emilee Parish, and her youngest son, Matthew Castleman. She is survived by her sister, Jennifer Tipton, her brother-in-law, Bobby Tipton, and her cherished nieces and nephews.

Christine’s life showed redemption, perseverance, and faith. She overcame her addiction with strength and humility and was working to restore her life with hope and purpose when she received her cancer diagnosis. Even while dealing with her illness, she displayed qualities of a Proverbs 31 woman: selfless, compassionate, and strong. She was a woman of character, valued far beyond rubies, and always ready to serve others.

A devoted member of Lambeth Memorial United Methodist Church, Christine relied on her faith through every season of her life. When she faced the end of her life, she did so without fear. Christine was confident in her salvation and calm about her destination. As she took her last breath, she did not want anyone to cry, as she preferred to leave this life with grace and dignity.

Christine will be remembered for her gentle heart, the motherly love she showed her children, her servant's spirit, and the strength of her faith. Though her time was short, her life had a lasting impact on those she loved and lived among.