Cristiane “Priscila” Parson, a native of Brazil, transitioned to her eternal healing home on the evening of December 15, 2023, in Richmond-VCU Medical Center. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her on her journey and ultimately gave her peace.
Priscila, as so many called her, was born January 11, 1980, to Vera Lucia de Jesus Alves and is the oldest of three siblings. She grew up in São Paulo, Brazil. Although in her youth years she faced challenges, she found an outlet and passion that gave her hope for better days. At the early age of 11, she started to play basketball and grew fondly of it. As years passed and her love for basketball continued, her skills and athleticism led her to bring home an income of that of someone having a full-time job. Basketball played a major role in Priscila’s life, not only did it help her financially, but it also paved the way for her to come to the United States. In her early twenties, she arrived in the United States not knowing the language and in an unfamiliar terrain at Frank Philips College in Texas, but what remained the same was the size of the court and the feel of a basketball in her hands.
Priscila accepted Jesus into her life also in her early twenties. She was a decorated scholar and received multiple Masters in the religious sector. It wasn’t until 2011 while attending Louisville Presbyterian Seminary (LPTS) that she met the love of her life Larry “Tony” Parson, Jr., and the rest is history. Tony and Priscila were united in Holy Matrimony on September 1, 2013.
Priscila was a diligent servant for the Lord and her calling. In 2016, she was ordained and served as an Intern Pastor at Broadway Baptist Church in Louisville, KY and received endorsement from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Decatur, GA in 2017. Spiritually-minded and a heart of compassion, during her earthly time, she served in various capacities including, but not limited to a Home Base Family Case Worker at Family Time Inc (CASI), Jeffersonville, IN; a Resident Chaplain at Maryview Hospital, Portsmouth, VA; a Hospice Chaplain and Bereavement Coordinator at New Century Hospice, Norfolk, VA and a Hospice Bereavement Coordinator at ProMedica Heartland Hospice, Suffolk, VA until her untimely transition.
Tony and Priscila along with their children joined Relevant Church, Virginia Beach, VA in March 2022. She served a stint on the intercessory team and assisted her husband leading the Young Adult Circle. In addition to attending Relevant Church in 2023, she assisted in starting Restoration in Christ Church in the Hampton Roads, VA area; a church that serves Brazilians and people who speak Portuguese. She played an integral part with the upstart of the church by serving in an administrative and teaching role.
She will lovingly be remembered by her devoted husband of 10 years Larry “Tony” Parson, Jr., and her most precious gems, her son Viktor and her daughter Victoria; her mother Vera Lucia de Jesus Alves; one sister Eliane de Jesus Alves and one brother Thiago Henrique de Jesus Alves all of São Paulo, Brazil; her father-in-law, Larry Parson, Sr of Spotsylvania, VA; one brother-in-law Brian Parson; two sisters-in-law, Tisha Parson and Ellen Cristina Alexandre de Jesus; one nephew, Bryce Parson; two nieces Brooklin Parson and Sibelly Regina Alexandre de Jesus; one godson, Carson Schilling and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and special friends.
Priscila was preceded in death by her mother-in-law Cynthia Parson and her nephew Leonardo de Jesus Alves. She was a pillar in the church, the hospice community and she was a prayer warrior. She has left a lasting impression on all that formed a relationship with her. She had the spirit that penetrated the hearts of whomever she met, and she will forever be remembered and celebrated by those who she leaves in God’s care.
“So grateful for the miracles and the turn around God has done in my life. I will praise my Lord forever for blessing me beyond measures. Life and people in our lives are such a gift; and these gifts need to be treasured forever.” ~ Priscila Parson
