Untitled Document

Obituary For REV. DR. ALONZO ANDREW PARSONS SR.

REV. DR. ALONZO ANDREW PARSONS SR.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.~2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV

Rev. Dr. Alonzo Andrew Parsons, Sr., known by his family & friends as AA, was born on May 18, 1953. He transitioned from time to eternity on April 14, 2021 at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. Dr. Parsons was the eldest son of the late Lonzo and Mary Henrietta Parsons, with 4 brothers, all who are preachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and 4 sisters, one a minister, and the eldest, Lou Etta Parsons McCray, preceded him in death.

He grew up with a solid foundation. He had a praying mother who loved God and taught her children the ways of God. She kept them in church and Sunday School at the Parsons’ Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Lilesville, NC; one of the churches his great, great-grandfather founded. As a child, his mother taught him his first poem: I am my Father’s highest man, And don’t you look so hard. When I grow older, I’m gon’ work for God. As a teenager, during the 60’s, he remembered a Caucasian missionary, Ms. V.C. Ratliff, who would come into the black neighborhood to teach the Bible. This gave him a hunger and thirst for the word of God.

Dr. Parsons accepted Christ at a very early age, and was called by God into ministry at the age of 15. He pastored his first church, Mt. Level Baptist Church, in Chesterfield, S.C. at the age of 19. Even though Dr. Parsons came from a lineage of Baptist ministers, one being his great, great-grandfather, who founded Parsons’ Grove Missionary Baptist Church, in Lilesville, N.C. and several other Baptist churches in North Carolina, Dr. Parsons was led by God to continue his ministry in the A.M.E. Zion Church. It is here, he was ordained a Deacon in 1978 and ordained an Elder in 1979.

He labored in ministry for more than 40 years within the AME Zion Church. He pastored churches in the Pee Dee Conference, Palmetto Conference, West Central North Carolina Conference, Western North Carolina Conference and the Virginia Conference. In 2002, Dr. Parsons was appointed Presiding Elder of the Petersburg District and from 2004-2012 he was appointed Presiding Elder of the Newport News District, of the Virginia Conference.

He served on many connectional, conference, & district boards until his health began to decline. His ministry not only included the A.M.E. Zion Church, but extended across denominational lines, preaching and teaching the word of God. Out of all the churches Dr. Parsons’ pastored, whether large or small, his primary focus was like that of the Apostle Paul; his heart’s desire and prayers to God, was that people be saved and that they grow in the knowledge and understanding of God’s word.

Early in life, Dr. Parsons realized he had to study to show himself approved unto God, a workman not being ashamed, but rightly dividing the word of truth. Therefore, after graduating from the Anson County Public School System, he furthered his education by attending Hood Theological Seminary, Salisbury, N.C. and East Coast Bible College, Charlotte, N.C. receiving a Master of Divinity degree (MDiv). He earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree (DMin.) from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Parsons was a biblical scholar, gifted and anointed preacher, and teacher of the word of God. He had a love for souls; bringing men out of the kingdom of darkness, into the kingdom of light, making sure of their spiritual growth and development. He began his journey as a mentor/father for his brothers and sisters, as well as other young men in his community. After his conversion, he made sure that everyone he knew was saved and baptized.

He composed songs and formed a group known as the Pilgrim Stars, which included his four brothers and other young men in the community. They produced several 45’s and an album entitled A.A. Parsons & the Pilgrim Stars. Under his leadership, they traveled singing at many churches and events about the God they loved.

Dr. Parsons worked as a United Steel Worker for Alcoa Aluminum Company for 14 years. He coached the girls’ basketball team at Albemarle Road Middle School, Charlotte, NC. He taught 7th and 8th grade math in the Petersburg School System for 9 years, served as assistant coach for Petersburg High School and was an Adjunct Professor for Bryant & Stratton College, teaching Philosophy and Religion in Richmond, Virginia.

He received numerous honors and awards: to name a few, Outstanding American High School Student, Who’s Who among Students in American Universities and Colleges (East Coast Bible College & Hood Theological Seminary). He received the Biblical Studies Department Class Award at East Coast Bible College, Asbury Missionary Award and The American Bible Society Award, both from Hood Theological Seminary, and he graduated from Hood Theological Seminary, Magna Cum Laude. Of the many honors and awards Dr. Parsons received, he deemed his greatest accomplishment to the many souls he led to Christ. Winning souls for the Kingdom of God was his ultimate goal. He often recalls his first experience in leading someone to Christ. It was his childhood best friend, David McLendon, now, the Rev. David McLendon, a preacher in the A.M.E. Zion Church. Dr. Parsons not only led souls to Christ, but he was instrumental to numerous preachers in answering their call to ministry. He was known as the little Sunday School boy. They would come to him whenever they didn’t understand the call of God on their lives. He would instruct them to fast and pray and he fasted and prayed along with them. Dr. Parsons has provided spiritual guidance and empowerment to the body of Christ throughout his ministry.

Out of all his secular jobs, which provided for his family, his most rewarding job was his call to ministry, quoting the first poem his mother taught him, “I am my Father’s highest man”. To this call, he dedicated his life; whether at home, work, on the basketball court, or ministering to those incarcerated, it didn’t matter. Wherever there was an opportunity to tell of the Love and saving grace of God, he did.

In 2010, Dr. Parsons received a heart transplant at VCU Medical Center, Richmond, VA. He was hospitalized there for 4 months prior to receiving his transplant. During that time he witnessed to doctors, nurses, surgeons, patients, care partners, custodial staff, and visitors, of the love of God. It was there, VCU Medical Center, where he ministered the word of God and witnessed of God’s redeeming love and grace. Dr. Parsons understood he had to work while it is day because when night comes, no man can work. Therefore, even after his health began to decline, and he could no longer serve in the capacity as Pastor or Presiding Elder, he joined the New Covenant A.M.E. Zion Church under the leadership of Rev. Cheryl James, where he continued to give leadership, by feeding the flock of God through preaching and teaching the whole council of God.

During his illness and his stays at the VCU hospital, he continued ministering, and impacted the lives of many. Dr. Parsons taught weekly Bible Study and occasionally preached at the Chester Village Apartments for Seniors, Chester, VA. As his health challenges continued, he became a resident of the Wonder City Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Petersburg, VA. There he preached every first and third Sundays and gave spiritual council to staff and residents until the pandemic occurred. Despite all his challenges, he continued to run the race, so that he might obtain the rewards, and secure crowns to lay at the feet of Jesus: The Crown of Life, The Crown of Glory, The Incorruptible Crown, the Crown of Righteousness, and the soul winners crown- the Crown of Rejoicing. His greatest desire is to hear the Lord say, “WELL DONE thy good and faithful servant”.

Dr. Parsons was a loving son, brother, husband, father, mentor, theologian, historian, and much more.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Elaine Parsons, five children, Bridgett Dawes, (Russell) of Smithfield, NC; Zakiya Gaddy of Charlotte, NC; Rev. Alonzo A. Parsons, Jr., (Yolanda) of Charlotte, NC; William Gaddy, (Najmah) of Wake Forest, NC; and Aundrea Parsons, Smithfield, NC. Four brothers, Pastor Lennon Parson (Shirley), Indian Trail NC; Pastor Eddie Parsons (Wanda), Monroe, NC; Apostle Dr. Ronnie Parson(Rubina), Charlotte, NC; and Minister Paul Parsons (Adrianne), Rolesville, N.C. Three sisters, Carrie Coletrane (Dr. Gregory Coletrane) and Patricia Cole, both of Wadesboro, N. C. and Alice Gatewood, (Daniel), Albemarle, N.C.; 16 grandchildren and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dr. Parsons understood that a legacy is not just what you have earned but more about what you have learned. Therefore, the legacy he leaves for his children, family and friends is to win souls for Christ, love unconditionally, and let your light shine before men, that God will be glorified.

A Memorial Service to Honor the Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Parsons was held on Thursday, April 22, 2021, 1:00pm, Smith's Memorial Chapel, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina.

Guest Book

Prayers for the Parsons Family during your time of sorrow. May God grant you a comforting peace.

- Amelia Melton

To The Entire Parson and Gaddy Family: Our Thought and Payers Are Extended To You During This Difficult Time. I Decree That The The Anointing Of God Will Continue To Flourish As You Rest In The Peace of God That Surpass All Understanding.

- Larry W. Cole, Sr.

To Uncle Ronnie, Aunt Rubina, and the entire Parsons Family; we offer our sincere condolences and prayers to you all during this difficult time. May the Lord Jesus Christ comfort your hearts and minds and give you peace in the days to come. Love, The McKenzie's

- Sherard & Monica McKenzie

To the family of Dr. A.A. Parsons, my friend is gone and I hate that I was not able to come but know my heart is with you as you celebrate the life of a great man of God. Dr. Parsons and his family had a hand in my spiritual development and I am grateful. He will be missed but know if we continue to live our lives aas he lived we will meet again. Be blessed in the Lord and know my prayers are with you. 'See you my friend one day on the other side'. Peace and Blessings to all. David

- Rev. Dr. & Mrs. David L. McLendon, Sr.

We the Members of the Greater Diggs Chapel AME Zion Church, Rockingham, NC., extend our deepest sympathy to the Parsons Family in the lost of Rev. Dr. AA. Parsons. May God cover you with love and affections now and forever. Dr. Parsons was a powerful man of God, who loved the Lord and his work now is done. Family rest assured, what he taught you will live on forever. You are in our prayer, we love you with the love of Jesus. Preston Waddell

- Preston Waddell

We extend our most deepest sympathy in the transitioning of our dear Brother. Our prayers are with you and your family. Rev. Earl James - Rev. Cheryl Spencer James and the New Covenant Church Family.

- Earl and Cheryl James

Parsons Family, please know that you are in my prayers. I remember, Rev. Parsons starting the singing group, The Pilgrim Stars, which included all of his brothers and mine. Rev. Parsons always had a passion to teach and serve others. He served as our Youth Teacher and we give Glory to the Lord for the spiritual insight shared with us while teaching at the Parson Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Rest In Peace Rev. Parsons, you have been faithful and now it is your time to rest eternally..

- Margaret Bennett Brown

My prayers are with you and your family

- Mae Conwell

Sending love, light and peace to Mrs. Parsons, Aundrea, Tasha, Zakiya, and family. My love is with you during this time of transition to the eternal forever more of Rev. Dr. Parsons a dear friend to my Father Rev. Dr. Murdock My prayers and love are with you. I thank God for all of you and the genuine love and kinsmanship beyond words. Love yall!

- Leah Murdock

my deepest sympathy to the Parson

- ywvonnie mcrae

Rev. Elaine Parsons and Parsons Family My prayers and thoughts are with you and the rest of family in the death of Dr. Parsons. He was a high school classmate and saw him at various AME Zion Church meetings. May our GOD continue to bless each of you in the days to come.

- Gilbert McRae

so sorry to hear of rev parsons illness and passing may god keep you in his care

- mr mrs william wall jr and family

To the Family Sorry to hear of your loss adsence from the body present with the Lord....Geraldine Adams Walls Memories AME Zion Church family

- Geraldine Adams

sincere condolences from the Usher Board, choirs & the New Hope MB Church family our prayers arer with you

Sending our condolensces and prayers to the Parsons family from Virginia State University.

- Regina Barnett Tyler

It is with deep condolence that I am sending to you. Praying for understanding and comfort to the children and the Parson Family. Be Blessed.

- Sallie Holmes-Gray

To Rev Elaine Parsons, Brittany, and the Parsons Family, I was sorry to hear of the passing of Rev. Dr. Parsons. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Rev. Dr. Parsons really helped me understand the power of prayer. Continuing in prayer for you and your family. Sandra McCoy

- sandra mccoy

My condolences to the Parsons family. May God keep you in his care during your time of bereavement.

- Montgomery Family

My heart and prayers goes to the Parsons family. We preach, we sung we praise the Lord and now he in the presence of the Lord. Rest in peace Dr.A.A.Parsons from a friend. You will be missed

- Pastor Anthony Ledbetter

BRO : ERNEST PEGUES THE MEMORIES by me, YOU HAVE MY CONDOLENCED MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU.

Someone i love has gone away and life is not the same . The greatest gift that you can give is just to speak their name. I need to hear the stories and the tales of days gone past , I need for you to understand these memories must last. We cannot make more memories m Since they're longer her. So when you speak of them to me , It's music to my ear . My family you have my Condelenced .

The Parson family have my sincere condolences during during this time. He will be missed.Another classmate of 1971 has gone on ð???ð??½ð???ð??½ð???ð??½ð???

- Shirley Simon-Allen

Our prayers are being sent for the entire family. A friend and great MAN of God is now at rest. Caleb & Family

- Caleb & Catherine Sturdivant

Our prayers are being sent for the entire family. A friend and great MAN of God is now at rest. Caleb & Family

- Caleb & Catherine Sturdivant

Sending prayers to you and your family during this time may God continue to bless you and strengthen you Bobby and Betty Walters and Family

- Bobby and Betty Walters and Family

To the Parson Family we just want to let you know that you have our deepest sympathy during this time may the peace of our lord be with you and comfort you always ð??? Joletha Rorie and Family

- Joletha Rorie and family