Diane Parsons

Diane Parsons, 85, died Sunday morning, March 25, from complications of dementia. She was born in Little Rock on December 26, 1932, to the parents of Vern and Bernice Simpson. She is survived by her only child John and foster granddaughter Christina Hill. She was a devoted mom who loved both of them and her lifelong friends from college or church, St Andrews Anglican, including her old girls tuna society that met for decades. She will be remembered as being very outgoing and trying to find the good in everyone she met. After graduating from high school, she received her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. She then moved to Austin, Texas, and graduated with her Masters Degree in Social Work from University of Texas. After college she moved to San Francisco, and worked as a Medical Social Worker, was briefly married, and moved back to Arkansas after her divorce. She taught at UALR and at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa. She finished her career at Centers for Youth and Families helping children and families improve their lives. After retirement, she petitioned the Arkansas legislature to require state licensure for social workers. She succeeded on the second attempt. She also loved to travel. Her favorite destination was Paris, France. She really enjoyed the small family restaurants and museums. She was also very devoted to Kairos Prison Ministries at the women's prison in Newport. Where there was darkness, she would lead people to the light. Funeral services will be at St. Andrew's Anglican Church on Kanis in Little Rock at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 3. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kairos Prison Ministries. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.