Terry "Elise" Parrish-Elders

Terry "Elise" Parrish-Elders, 55, passed away after a long battle with cancer on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at home surrounded by friends. Her family and friends will conduct a celebration of life on Sunday, August 25, 2019, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 301 Pine Street, Carterville, Illinois. 

Elise was born on March 25, 1964, in Carbondale, Illinois, at Memorial Hospital to Frank Parrish and Karen (Carrothers) Parrish. Elise married the love of her life Patric Mitchell Elders on May 21, 1990, in Walton County, Florida. After years of marriage the two resided in Texas where Elise acquired a passion for Southwestern Jewelry and art eventually owning many exquisite pieces of fine art. She returned to Carterville to pursue a degree in nursing after many years in Texas.

Elise obtained a Bachelors, degree at SIU College of Business and Administration in May, 1987. Continuing her love for learning, she attended JALC and obtained her Associates Degree in Nursing in May, 2012.

Elise lived her life to the fullest with many hobbies and activities of which she always excelled. She was a talented stained-glass artist, pottery artist, and cook, which included making her own dog food. She grew rare cactus plants and fed an entire colony of hummingbirds for years. SIU Educational Department took field trips to her home in rural Marion, to study hummingbird behavior. Elise had a refined sense of classy fashion, textiles. She loved clothes, jewelry, make-up and shoes as evident by her always present "large" totes. Most of all, Elise loved animals! She often wrecked her checkbook (occasionally her car), and certainly anything she had on, to rescue and save any and all animals in need. If anyone or anything needed her, she was the first to help! Elise's fondest memories were of her brother Zach (deceased) and the many times and antics they shared while growing up together. Elise was most proud that she drove her brother's car a 1998 Trans Am.

Elise is survived by Patric M. Elders of Texas; step-son, Dylan Elders of Carbondale, Illinois; mother and partner, Karen Parrish and Bob Smith of The Village, Florida; father, Frank B. Parrish of Herrin; half-sister, Pam (Michael) Kingston of Evansville, Indiana; half-brother, Doug (Yeisika) Parrish of Marion, Illinois.

Also survived by special friends and caregivers, Steve "Stanley" Hanely of Carterville, Kathleen Hall of Carbondale, along with many other friends too numerous to count.

Elise was preceded in death by her beloved brother Zachery Scott Parrish; maternal grandparents, Truman and Lucille Carrothers of Elkville, Illinois; paternal grandparents, Homer and Mary Parrish of Murphysboro, Illinois.

Elise wished to thank Hospice of Southern Illinois, and especially Katrina, for her tenderness, understanding and rare gift! She requested that all donations be made to either, Hospice of Southern Illinois (Please note, every donation to Hospice, Elsie requested a "Thank you" note be included to Katrina) or Free Again Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation at 4029 Big Muddy Road, Carterville, IL 62918.

While Elise was often lost among the beautiful bright stars in the night sky, she remained the brightest of light to the world!

Riggin-Pillatsch and Burke Funeral Home in Carterville assisted the family with cremation services. 

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