Born November 12, 1946 in Hannibal, Missouri to Robert and Mabel (Norris) Parrish, she married Donald L. Cooling on August 31, 1963 in Delavan. He died September 17, 1996. She later married James “Jim” DeFord on June 25, 2004 in Pekin. He survives.
Also surviving are four children, Dawn (Jess) Smith, Berry Cooling, John DeFord and Julie (Travis) Regan of Pekin; seven grandchildren, Kyle, Kelsey, Isabell and Isaac Cooling, Cambria and Carlee Regan, all of Pekin and Blaine Regan of Columbia, Missouri; four sisters, Linda (Stephen) Locke and Carole Reading, both of Hannibal, Missouri and Sandy (Larry) Hallam of Pekin and one brother, Steve (Linda) Parrish of Rome.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Jim and Robert “Junior” Parrish and one sister, Sheila Lambie.
A homemaker, Mary enjoyed crocheting, cooking, playing cards, bird watching and taking photos of bald eagles. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her family.
She attended First Christian Church in Pekin.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor's Mark Foglio and Brad Martin will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Additional visitation will be one hour prior to the service, Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be given to First Christian Church, 1201 Chestnut Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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