Barbara Hughes Parsons

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Barbara “Bobbie” Hughes Parsons, who died, peacefully in her sleep, on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Bobbie lived a long and fulfilling life, leaving behind a rich legacy of love and service.

She is survived by her beloved children: David Parsons, Diane Miller (Dennis), Mary DuBois (Peter), and Nancy Bubanich (Tom) She was close to all her many grandchildren and equally loved in return by Ken and Amanda Hutton, Alexandra Parsons (deceased), Eric, Andrew, and Todd Miller, Heather Ethell (Miller), Alice DuBois, David DuBois (Bonnie), Adam and Sarah Bubanich. She was blessed by her great-grandchildren: Kyle, Alyssa, Ethan, and Aidan Hutton; Kelsea Parsons, Lauren, Avelyn, and Jeret Ethell; Kailey Miller, and Charlie and Graham DuBois. She is also survived by her siblings: Margaret Cutler, William Hughes (Mary) and Donald Hughes (Tina); and her brother-in-law, Richard Parsons (Carol); and sister-in-law, Shirley Parsons; and her many nieces and nephews across the country. 

Born in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Bobbie was the daughter of William and Alice Hughes and grew up surrounded by her siblings Virginia, Elizabeth, Erma, Margaret, Ruth Ann, William, and Donald. She met her husband, Frank, during her freshman year at the University of Maryland, beginning a 64-year marriage filled with love and adventure. After graduating with a degree in Economics and Personnel Administration, they married in 1951 in San Antonio, Texas, where Frank was stationed in the Air Force. As an Air Force wife, Bobbie embraced each new location, establishing homes and building strong connections within the local United Methodist church and community. Retirement brought Bobbie and Frank back to their home state settling in Frederick, Maryland in 1995. Following Frank's passing in 2015, Bobbie moved to the nearby Homewood Retirement Community at Crumland Farms.

Bobbie dedicated her life to service, a testament to her self-described role as a "professional volunteer." Her involvement spanned numerous organizations, including the Gamma Phi Beta sorority (where she served as President), Stephen Ministry, the Red Cross, the League of Women Voters, Officers Wives Clubs, United Methodist Women, and P.E.O. Sisterhood. She also selflessly served as a Sunday School teacher, Cub Scout Den Mother, and Girl Scout Leader.

A celebration of Bobbie's life is planned for 2025 at Calvary United Methodist Church in Frederick, Maryland. Details will be shared at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Calvary United Methodist Church, 131 West 2nd Street, Frederick, MD, 21701.