Mary Josephine Parnell, 90, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2018 at DeSoto Health Care Center in Southaven, MS where she had been a resident since February 5, 2017. Mary, affectionately known as "Nanny," was born on October 16, 1927 in Batesburg, South Carolina to Jessie and Vennie Harmon. She spent many years in the home of Joe and Susie Harmon, affectionately known as "Uncle Joe and "Aunt Susie". They had a major part in her life as she was growing up. Their daughter, Gay Nell was like a sister to her. Susie was known to Mary''s children as "grandmother" or "Aunt Susie" and Joe was "granddaddy" or "Uncle Joe". Nanny remained spunky to the end with a side of sassy. She was a tough disciplinarian when it came to her three sons. She was a spotless homemaker, a germ would starve to death. Her daughter in-law, Peggy will cherish the memory of making Nanny''s favorite, Chocolate Pie and Chicken and Dumplings. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, W.G. Parnell; one son, Tommy Austin Parnell; granddaughter, Mary Delana Parnell Austin; two sisters: Ida Mae Hallman and Judy Dowd; also one brother Jodie Harmon. She leaves two sons: William Parnell (Penny) of Byhalia, MS and David Parnell (Peggy) of Southaven; also 7 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She was a member of Heartland Church and Sunday School class- Ruth. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 17 from 9 to 10 a.m. at Forest Hill South with service immediately following. Burial will be in Forest Hill South Cemetery.