Donna M. Parris, age 50, of Peppermint Road, Coopersburg PA, died Saturday, September 22, 2007 surrounded by her family at her home. She is the wife of Gene E. Parris.

Born in Camden NJ, March 24, 1957, she is survived by her mother, Leota Y. (Williams) and step-father, John Roland of Sicklerville NJ and her father, Donald Draft Sr. of PA. Donna is a self-employed Voice and Piano Instructor in Pleasant Valley Music Studio in Springfield Township PA. She worked at DeSales University as a part-time Voice Teacher; Lehigh Valley Christian High School for 6 years as a Choral Director; and Quakertown High School as a Vocal Coach for 3 years.

A graduate of Edgewood High School (now Winslow High School) NJ in 1975 with honors, she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Cedar Crest College, Allentown PA and a Master of Music Degree in Vocal Performance at Temple University, Philadelphia PA.

Donna served as a Member of Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, Coopersburg PA where she is the Choir Director, Treasurer of Woman's Ministries, Member of Worship Committee, Fellowship and Hospitality Committee. She is the Founder and Director of the Palisades Community Chorus; and volunteered vocally at Christian Women's Clubs. She taught the Africian-American Portrait experience through song and drama in community schools and churches. Donna volunteered many visits to nursing homes with song and sharing her gifts, giving people her time, especially during the holiday seasons, and always had time for a home-cooked meal and time of fellowship and reflections within the family.

In addition to her loving Husband of 28 years last February, Mother and Step-Father, Father, she is survived by her Sons, Gene E. II and his wife Kamari D. of Richmond VA and Joshua L. D. at home; Daughter, Courtney Y., wife of Stephen M. Doncevic of Hellertown PA; Brothers, Anthony C. and his wife Rose of Anaheim CA, Mark S., Ronald D. and his wife Sheila, and Donald Jr. and his wife Dyon of Sicklerville NJ; and Sister, Vicki B., wife of Jerome White also of Sicklerville NJ.

Family and Friends are invited to a visitation period from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Thursday, September 27, 2007 at the Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, 6782 North Main Street, Coopersburg PA. The service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday at the Church with The Reverend Thomas P. Shorb and The Reverend Rick Paashaus, officiating. The interment will conclude services at the Calvary Church Cemetery. A “Celebratory Concert Among Friends of Donna M. Parris” will be announced via the website of the Funeral Home. The Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Hellertown PA, is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Lehigh Valley Hospital, John and Dorothy Morgan Cancer Center; the Fox Chase Cancer Center; the American Cancer Society; and the Lydia Project of Atlanta Georgia, all C/O the Funeral Home, 326 Main Street, Hellertown PA 18055.

 A Celebratory Concert
Among Friends of Donna Parris


October 13, 2007 - 5:00 PM
DeSales University, Labuda Center

Join us for this special evening of song in honor of our sister, Donna. Music will range from spirituals to show tunes, great hymns to the classics.
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someone who appreciated Donna

Linda Luther-Veno    09-24-2007

Hello - I and my family didn't know Donna, but we heard her sing at Mayfair thist past May and just wanted to say how much we loved her voice and the songs she sang. We were really moved. I was with my husband, my mother and my sister, who is battling recurrent cancer. We didn't know Donna was sick and are very sorry for your loss. Our sympathies go out to the family. We are very grateful we got to see her perform and will always remember her voice.

God's Gift to Us

John Bauer, Bethlehem    09-24-2007

Donna personified God's presence here on Earth. Those of us who have shared in her life either through experiencing her splendid voice or by sharing the same stage...we have been blessed. Remember her always.


Anonymous    09-24-2007

Hello- it was about 15 years or so since Donna sang at our church Emmanuel E.C.C. here in Bethlehem. What a joy it was to hear her sing and one knew immediately the love she had for the Lord. I also sensed the love and warmth that was emitted through her love of God. She touched my heart and I am thankful for that one Sunday that she came into my families life and stayed there forever.
Respectfully Submitted
Jeff Fritz & Family

may she sing with the angels

karen bedics palisades middle    09-24-2007

i will always remember donna and her breathtaking voice. she brought beauty into our world with her talents and gift of song which she shared with others. may all what was good in her live on in all of you whose lives she touched throughout the years. her family is in my thoughts and prayers.
with sympathy- karen bedics

Admirer, Pupil & Friend

Laura Jean Kaucher    09-24-2007

I am privileged to have known and experienced the warmth, wisdom and voice of "Mrs. P", as she was known to myself and many her children's peers. I have always been an admirer and remain so in her passing. All my love to the Parris Family - big hugs to Gene, Courtney & Joshua.


Leslie Solomon    09-24-2007

On behalf of the Cedar Crest College community, my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Donna Parris. The stagelights at CCC have dimmed, but God's Chorus shines brighter than ever with the addition of this Heavenly Angel. All those who knew her and of her were truly blessed as they were (and still are) touched by an angel.

Donna, Godspeed.

Blessed to have known her

Alexa Henson-Jensen    09-24-2007

During my time at Cedar Crest Donna was an inspiration to many of the young women. I had not seen Donna in many years, but I have never forgotten her voice, her smile, or her way of bringing happiness into the room. It is very difficult to know that someone so special and so gifted is no longer with us, but faith tells us that she is with God. May God be with you in your time of loss and mourning. May His Grace comfort you.

a special gift to all

Deanna Mindler    09-24-2007

Donna was a special gift that was given to all of us for a very brief time. She was an amazing women, wife, mother and teacher. Donna was my daughter Alison's voice teacher for several years and really made a difference in her life. She taught her much more than how to sing and for that we will be eternaly grateful.
God bless all of you as you celebrate Donna's life.


Tricia McMackin    09-24-2007

Dear Gene and family, Thank you for sharing the gift of Donna's voice adn life with us who were her studens, especially in these past months of her illness. It was truly a blessing to spend time with her and have the benefit for her teaching, her music and her faith.
May God grant you comfort. strength and peace.
"And may God give us faith to sing always; Alleluia"


Jill & Michael Toth    09-24-2007

We were so sorry to hear of your loss of a beautiful woman. Our daughter attends school with Josh. With sincere sympathy,

Dear Parris Family

Jacqueline Toth    09-24-2007

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I never knew Mrs. Parris personally, but I remember when she would chaperone for field trips, she would always have a smile for us, and we could tell that she was a wonderful, vibrant woman. Sincerely,


Sue Bogard & Family    09-24-2007

How do you describe this life that blessed us for a time? A wife and a mom whose love for Gene and her children and her Lord were reflected everytime we heard that beautiful voice, whether speaking or singing. She advocated for all our children with grace and warmth. Love to all of you.

Precious in the sight of the L

The Hendricks Family    09-24-2007

Our hearts break for Gene Sr.; Courtney, Gene Jr., and Josh. But we find such comfort in knowing that Donna is resting in the arms of her Savior. "But thanks be to God, who gives victory through our Lord Jesus Christ". 1 Corinthians 15: 55..

Donna was a lovely lady who will be missed greatly!

Smile

MA & Dave Schwenk & Daughters    09-24-2007

Dear Gene and Family,
We truly will miss Donna in our lives. However, she will always be in our hearts. She was a Blessing to be sure. Donna has been an encourager for our two daughters as well as a messenger of kindness and of caring to each of us. She gave donations of blood, food to nourish our bodies, and words and cards of support. Yes, her musical talent was superb. However, her SMILE will always Brighten our fond Memories of Donna. May God continue being with you all. In the name of Jesus Christ.

Dear Parris Family,

A friend    09-25-2007

Every year our family looked forward to the part in the Christmas service when we heard Donna sing. She was surely an encouragement and example of Christ in all that she did and said. Her nameless acts of kindness and her smiling face on Sunday morning will never be forgotten. Donna was a friend and a sister to us. We will miss her dearly. I pray that God is a comfort. God bless all of you.


Eve Metzger    09-25-2007

Donna's voice was truly superb. She sang Ave Maria at my wedding in 2000 and my father was in tears! He said she had the voice of an angel. Now she is singing with them in heaven. She taught me voice lessons YEARS ago and she always greeted me with hot tea and a hug.
She will be missed.


Christine Moran    09-25-2007

Dear Parris Family,

I was saddened to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May the love of friends and family be a source of comfort.

With sincere sympathy,

Christine Moran

your voice will never be silen

Gaither Family    09-25-2007

Thank you very much Gene and family for opening your home to us and so many others.

Due to the fact she made music fun, Donna's voice and ability to work with kids will will live on from generation to generation. She sure did live out her lifes purpose and we are all greater for it!!!

Love all of you!!!

she will be missed

Genna Best    09-25-2007

Mrs. Parris was my choir teacher for 2 years and every once in awhile we would run into eachother when she would come in for her stuff at the hospital. she was such a nice woman..and she will be greatly missed.


Carleen and Lou Dunkle    09-26-2007

Donna was a beautiful person in every sense of the word. She had so much more to give to her community, family, church and Lord. She was taken too soon, but perhaps God had a better plan. The Easter hymn gives us hope in times like these:
"The strife is o'er, the battle done. Now is the victor's triumph won. Now be the song of praise begiun. The powers of death have done their worst. But Christ their legions has dispersed. Let shouts of holy joy outburst. Alleluia!"

Dear Parris Family,

Kaylyn Syvret    09-26-2007

I am so sorry for your loss. Donna has been one of the biggest influences in my life the past three years. It seems like only yesterday I was taking my first voice lesson with her. I believe that she not only made my voice better, but she made me a better person. I will always remember her as the kind, talented, and fun-loving woman that I came to know and love. I belive that she is leading the choir in heaven! I will miss her greatly.

Parris Family

Meron Family    09-27-2007

Donna and our family shared a few tears with some personal struggles we were going through; she absolutely had a heart of gold. Not that we will not miss her musical talent, but we will also miss the conversations regarding our families and our faith. The FAITH Donna had was immeasurable and will be something we admire each time we think of her. We will miss her immensely.

The Meron's

DEAR DR. PARRIS & FAMILY,

VIVIAN SNEAD    09-27-2007

I WAS SADDEN TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF DONNA YET I REJOICE WITH THE HEAVENLY HOST THAT WELCOMED HER HOME. YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS.

WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY

The AMAZING things she has don

Tara Meron    09-27-2007

Gene-
You and Donna helped me out when most couldnt grasp the things i was going through. You shared things with me no one could understand. Donna was an amazing woman with an extraordinary heart. Her love for God outweighed everything, and her love for people (friends, family, and even strangers) has overpowered us all. She lived her life as nobody else could. I am 100% positive she is doing even more great things in heaven.
All of my love.


Darlene Lord [Crowthers]    09-27-2007

Heartfelt sympathy to Donna's husband and children as well as Donna's Mom, stepfather, Dad, brothers and sister. I've not seen Donna since high school, but she kept in touch with my Dad each Christmas with wonderful letters. She was such a beautiful person and while she is not here, the legacy she leaves behind is more precious as gold.

To my family

Simone Dockery    09-27-2007

I want to first start out by saying that I am so sorry for your loss. I am still trying to understand how we could lose such a beautiful and loving person. To my uncle Gean and my cousins, Gean, Courtney and Joshua, just be blessed knowing that God has such a beautiful angel with him now and she will be looking over you as she did when she was here. She will definitely be missed.

Principal, LVCHS

Charles Bloomfield    09-27-2007

Dear Gene and family -

Somehow one is never ready to hear news like this. Our hearts go out to all of you. Donna was such a special and integral part of LVCHS during the years she taught here. It was a distinct privilege for me to be her principal. May the God of all comfort strengthen you and give you peace.

Charles and Carolyn Bloomfield


Pastor & Jo. Tietbohl    09-28-2007

Dear Gene, Gene, Courtney & Joshua,
Michael Kuhnert from Trinity Lutheran Church called us to tell us of Donna's death.
We are so very sorry. We know what a close knit family you are.
One thing we know when some-one we love dies, there's pain for a while, but then we remember that we will see them again.
May God place his arms of Love around you and hug you to himself. Love,
Pastor & Jo. Tietbohl

Amazing Grace

Paige Pyatt    09-28-2007

I never actually did meet her;I wish that I had the opportunity to do so.As a matter of fact,you dont even know me that well.I attend Palisades and have recently met Josh.All I can think to say is that I'm sorry.May paece be with you.

Parris Family

Beca Taylor    10-21-2007

I was devastated to learn of Donna's passing. I often think back to my first piano lessons with her, Joshua playing Sega in the background. Donna always encouraged me and had bottomless kindness. My love goes out to you, Mr. Parris, who always offered up your endless kindness as well. And Courtney, you have always echoed your mom's love and shared it with everyone around you. All of you are in my thoughts.

Smiles

The Stanell Family    12-12-2007

She always had a smile for us...

To the family of My Cedar Cres

Arnita "Dee" Adams Johnson    01-13-2008

If it had not been for Donna I don't think I would have graduated from Cedar Crest. My Girl had my back and I had hers. We agreed in 1975 that no matter what. . . would we graduate in '79 and we were the only African American women that began the journey in '75 to graduate on May 20th 1979.
She sang like an angel and often gave me a personal concert singing my favorite "Summer Time". I had just spoken with her in Aug '07 and she told me she was going to fight to live with all her might. I know she did just that. To her family, especially Gene and the kids . . . Donna will forever live in my heart. When I walk the halls of Butz while visitng the CCC campus, I know she will be there with me whispering to me . . . I told you we were going to make it. God Bless you my Dear Friend. Now you can sing "Summer Time" to the rest of the angels.



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