Melissa Bragg Parrish

Melissa Bragg Parrish, born August 4, 1942, in Bennettsville, South Carolina, was the daughter of Patricia Burton Bragg and Robert Waller Bragg. She attended Kingswood School Cranbrook, a prestigious girls’ finishing school, and later earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Averett University.

Melissa enjoyed a distinguished career in journalism, writing for the Brunswick Times-Gazette, the South Hill Enterprise, and the Richmond News Leader. An accomplished writer and photographer, she received numerous awards for her work.

Her passion for horses and education led her to serve as chairman of Stud Southside Track, where she helped promote and teach Equine Science at the college level.

Melissa was a devoted mother who raised two sons, Jimmy Brown and Randy Britt. While living in Alberta, Virginia, she served as mayor for ten years, overseeing many successful community projects and leading the town with dedication and vision.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her son Jimmy Brown, and her daughter-in-law, Sylvia Britt.

Melissa is survived by her loving husband, Joseph Parrish Jr.; her son, Randy Britt of Richmond, Virginia; her stepchildren, Mike Parrish (Angie) of Chester, Virginia, Kim Dobson of Chester, Virginia, and Bill Parrish (Rebecca) of Dolphin, Virginia; seven step-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandchild.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Melissa’s devoted caregivers; Vanessa, Linda Hite, Reverly King, and Connie Bunkley for their compassionate care and support.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, May 31st at 4pm at the Bragg Family Cemetery, 1660 Masons Mill Road, Alberta VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dolphin Volunteer Fire Department or Alberta Volunteer Fire Department.