Obituary – Gwendolyn Segers Deese
Gwendolyn Segers Deese
RED OAK COMMUNITY, FL – Gwendolyn Segers Deese, 91, of the Red Oak Community, passed away on Sept. 18, 2023, at River Valley Rehab in Blountstown. She was born in Chicago, IL on Oct. 10, 1931, to Graves and Mary Hand Segers. They moved to Macedonia in early 1933 and later to the Red Oak Community. Gwen attended both Macedonia and Blountstown High Schools. Faith in our Heavenly Father, love of family, sincerity and quiet demeanor were a few of characteristics that cemented lifelong friendships at her church, school and community.
At 15 years old, Gwen married Durward Parrish. She attended night school at Blountstown to earn her high school diploma after the birth of their six children. Due to the serious illness of her husband, Gwen’s treasured time caring for her young children and farm was divided when she went to work at Chattahoochee Hospital.
She was 33 when Durward died, and Gwen became solely responsible for the family. Within a few months Gwen faced another tragedy when she lost her son in a farm accident. Her faith and strength never wavered. She dedicated the next few years to the children and farm, leading them by example. Gwen did not slack in parenting duties, whether assigning chores, teaching a new skill, helping with homework, doctoring an injury, giving a hug or discipline. True story: She wore a belt around her neck daily and any child misbehaving on the premises was subject to the sting. It is often joked about today, though not so funny back then.
Her life was so intertwined with her passions; family, cooking, gardening, canning, crochet, sewing and singing, always leading the music at church. She could do it all and well! Late summer 1968 Gwen was introduced to Houston Deese, father of four young children. She was 37 when their new lives together began. Her passions were a blessing to the blended family. For several years Gwen and Houston lived part time between Red Oak and Tallahassee. Gwen was employed by the State of Florida at Motor Vehicle and later retired from a statistician position for the Dept. of Commerce. Both Gwen and Houston devoted their love and energy to Magnolia Baptist Church. Whenever there was a church or family event you might find them both at midnight the night before in the kitchen preparing delicious dishes. RV travels with Houston as far as California, cruises to parts unknown, even weekends at Mexico Beach were all so memorable to her. She appreciated small things. She was tickled to discover a small Johnny Jump Up blooming, a new calf, the sparkling sunlight in her grandchild’s hair, the croak of a green rain frog in her potted plant, a card or letter from an old friend. Her legacy to her family is John 13:34.
Gwen is preceded by her parents; a husband, Durward Parrish; sons, Graves and Raymond Parrish, Larry and Tommy Deese; grandsons, Chad and Jay Parrish; brothers, Graves Segers, Jr and Gerald D. Segers.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Houston Deese; sons, Dowling and wife, Anita and Fletcher and his wife, Debbie Parrish of Red Oak, Weldon Parrish of Clarksville, Mickey and wife, Debbie Deese of Tallahassee; daughters, Garnet and husband, Troy Walden of Red Oak, Sandi Haggaman of Tallahassee; daughters-in-law, Barbara Parrish and Teresa Deese of Tallahassee; brother, Quincy and wife, Marie Segers of Cypress; and a very special “sister” Juanita Mears of Altha. Surviving grandchildren include Robyn P. Hill, Travis and Lane Parrish, Angela P. Berg, Taylon Parrish, Nathaniel, Ryan, and Loran Walden, Cody and Kyle Parrish, Tasha P. Scott, Trisha P. Tolley, Meagan P. Tanner, Jeremy and Shawn Deese, Jason Betts, Brad and Amber Deese and Kelly Griffin; and 29 great- grandchildren.
The family received friends Thursday, Sept. 21 at the Peavy Funeral Home Chapel, followed by the services. Interment followed at Magnolia Church Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Marlon Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown.
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