God called for His Beautiful Angel, Mary Jane Parsons, to come home and as a good and faithful servant she obeyed His call.
She was born July 13, 1927 in Franklin, the daughter of the late Roland and Florence (Robinson) Steffen. Mary Jane grew up on the family dairy farm on East Handsome Brook Road with her two older brothers, John and Louis Steffen.
Being very talented in music, she sang in her church and school choirs and played violin in orchestra and snare and bass drums in marching band while attending DLI/Franklin Central School. She recalled with pride that she was the first “Drummer Girl.” She performed in her class play and was crowned prom queen her senior year.
After graduation, she married Douglas B. Parsons of Walton whom she had met at a dance a few years earlier. They were married for 55 years before his death in 2002.
She loved ice cream, music, animals, flowers, Lawrence Welk and game shows. She also loved to make handmade Christmas gifts for her family. She could always find something to keep children busy by making craft items, singing or playing games. Some of her biggest smiles came from watching her great-great-grandchildren play.
Mary Jane was a Cub Scout Den Mother, a member of the Sidney Center Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, a member of the Maywood Historical Group and a past docent, and a past member of the Sidney Center United Methodist Church where she was a choir member and director of cherub choir. She served on various committees and was Sunday School Superintendent for many years. She also was a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Teacher. She is a current member of the Sidney Center Family and Friends Church and loved telling stories to the children about Jesus and to follow His teachings.
Mary Jane was employed at Bendix now Amphenol for about 10 years and then worked in the cafeteria at Sidney Center Elementary School.
Mary Jane is survived by her four children, Terry and Nancy of Sidney Center, Jack and Debra of Brandon, Fla., Debbie Barnes of Sidney Center and Stephanie Parsons of Sonoma, Calif.; brother-in-law Dick Yarnes, Walton and sister-in-law, Ginny Parsons, Stamford. Mary Jane’s legacy of love included but not limited to 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren; as well as several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased son, Dale Parsons in September 1982 and two brothers, John and Louis Steffen.
Due to Covid there will be no calling hours but a memorial service and internment will be held in the summer with family and friends. The Parsons family is grateful to Tidewell Hospice of Manatee County, Florida, and Helio’s Care, Oneonta for the care Mary Jane received.
Donations may be made to the Maywood Historical Group, PO Box 298, Sidney Center, NY 13839.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.
