Sympathy Saturday

    Sympathy Saturday will be where I share the obituaries and my condolences for members of my family tree who passed recently.  When you get to be a certain age, you begin to read the obituaries every day.  As the days go by, you read about more and more of your friends and family members who have died.  You compare their age to your own and get a jolt. "That could have been me." 

    For genealogists, checking obituaries and visiting cemeteries is as normal as breathing. I learn so much from an obituary, i.e., maiden names, parents' names; children's' and grandchildren's' names, funeral and burial locations, sometimes even a cause of death.  I want to learn these things not for any purpose but to put it on the family tree for future generations to see and learn about the family that went before them. I admit, most of these relatives I have never met, but I think it is important to share that they were here on this Earth, and they were important.

    So I am signed up with at least three funerals homes from Swainsboro, Vidalia, and Wrightsville to get daily notices of obituaries sent to my email.  Every day, I peruse them and with the help of the family tree, figure out who is related to me and add any new information to the tree. Some weeks there are several, and some weeks there are none. This week there is someone who actually passed away a few months ago as I got behind on email for while. So I may be doubling up for a few weeks.

Please join me in offering condolences to their families and holding them in the light.

Irene Kniphfer Parrish

Sep 9, 1935 — Mar 19, 2026

North Augusta, SC

Mrs. Irene Kniphfer Parrish, age 90, entered into rest on Thursday March 19, 2026. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Bobby L. Parrish.

She is survived by her loving children, Russ (Myra) Parrish and Becky Parrish Cole; grandchildren, Kevin (Lara) Brown, Claye (Catherine) Mack, Amanda Booth, Ray (Julie) Parrish, Jeff (Lene) Cole, Madison Parrish Holley, Hayley Cole (Cody) Webb, and Collin Parrish; twenty great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and brothers, James (Kelly) Kniphfer and Otis (Mary Ann) Kniphfer.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Parrish was preceded in death by her parents, John E. and Mozelle L. Kniphfer; daughter, Terrie Parrish; infant son, James Cleon Parrish; great granddaughter, Nora Mary Parrish her brother, Fred Kniphfer; her sisters, Sally Kniphfer Portwood, June Kniphfer Ramsey, and Maggie Kniphfer Marsh; and her sister-in-law, Joan Parrish Rhoades.

Mrs. Parrish was a longtime member of Warrenville First Baptist Church. She dedicated her life to caring for others through her career as a nurse, a profession she took great pride in. Prior to nursing, she worked as a seamstress, demonstrating her strong work ethic and attention to detail.

She found great joy in traveling, camping, and fishing alongside her beloved husband. She also enjoyed trips to the beach, gardening, shopping, cooking, and spending time reading her cherished recipe books. Above all, she was a loving and compassionate woman who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A funeral service honoring her life will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, March 23, 2026, in the chapel of Jackson Memorial Funeral Home, with Rev. Arthur Zawislak, Rev. Dwayne Anderson, and Dr. Walter Pym officiating. The interment will be private.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Mrs. Parrish's caregivers; Sha Hall and Tarina Englrum. Also, Dr. Bleakley Chandler for his excellent care through the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Samaritans Purse or The Shriners Hospital.

Jackson Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with these arrangements.

In a cruel twist of fate, Irene's brother passed away less than two weeks later:

James Howard Kniphfer

Aug 21, 1944 — Mar 31, 2026

Hephzibah, GA

James Howard Kniphfer, a man of enduring strength and steadfast faith, passed peacefully Tuesday evening, March 31, 2026, at Wellstar MCG Hospital in Augusta, transitioning into his eternity. Born on August 21, 1944, James lived a rich and full life marked by devotion to family, dedication to his craft, and a deep love for the outdoors.

James began life in Kite before his family moved to Brunswick and later to Graniteville, South Carolina, where he completed his high school education. Soon after, he married and started a family, embarking on a successful career in construction. Known for his adeptness and exceptional talent in his trade, James worked on numerous projects in the area, including the notable Plant Vogtle. His commitment and skill earned him the role of Construction Supervisor, a position he held with pride until his well-earned retirement.

In 1973, James moved his family to the Hephzibah-Blythe-Matthews area, settling on a 14-acre tract that became a haven for his beloved animals—horses, pigs, cows, and goats. An avid outdoorsman, he relished riding horses and trail rides, often participating in The Sheriff's Posse. Fishing and camping were among his pleasures, revealing a man who found joy and peace in nature’s embrace. James also appreciated the simple pleasures of a good meal and warm fellowship with his family and friends, embodying the spirit of hospitality.

Sports, particularly football, held a special place in his heart, as did watching Westerns on television, echoing the values of resilience and honor he esteemed. He was also a past member of the Wrens Optimist Club, contributing his time and heart to his community.

A man of profound faith, James was a former member of Warrenville Baptist Church and faithfully attended Hephzibah Baptist Church until his health declined. His spiritual life was a cornerstone that gave him strength and solace throughout his journey.

James was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Mozelle Lampt Kniphfer and John Edgar Kniphfer, and siblings Sally Portwood, Maggie Marsh, Irene Parrish, June Ramsey, and Fred Kniphfer.

He leaves behind a devoted wife, Kelly Wilson Kniphfer, whose partnership was a source of enduring support and love. Together, they nurtured a cherished family: children Robin Dalton (Derek), Toby Kniphfer, Missy Lamb, Marc Kniphfer (Rolanda), and Cindy Bowen. His legacy extends through thirteen grandchildren—Chris Miller (Jennifer), Laura Gaines (Jeff), Jacob Miller, Kraig Kniphfer (Sarah), Chad Kniphfer (Sky), Alvie Lamb Jr., Georgia Dawn Stephenson, Shekinah Lamb, Marc Kniphfer Jr., Anthony Bowen, Miranda Bowen, Michael Dobson Jr., and Eddie Dobson—and is further enriched by twenty-one great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Otis Kniphfer, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends whose lives he touched deeply.

Visitation will be held on April 6, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at James Funeral Home, immediately followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM officiated by Rev. Tom Kalliokoski. Interment will take place at after the service at Woodland Baptist Church Cemetery. Honored to serve as his pallbearers are his grandsons—Kraig Kniphfer, Chad Kniphfer, Marc Kniphfer Jr, Alvie Lamb Jr, Michael Dobson Jr, and Eddie Dobson.

James Howard Kniphfer’s life was a testament to strength, faith, and love. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him and deeply missed by those who loved him most. His enduring spirit will remain in the hearts of his family and community.