Vickie Lea Parrish, 78, of Galesburg, formerly of Cameron, Illinois, died at 4:50 a.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Seminary Manor.
She was born June 14, 1947 in Galesburg, the daughter of James Melvin and Betty Jean (Hallbick) Casteel. After graduating from Monmouth High School, she received her bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University. She then married Samuel C. Parrish on July 20, 1969 in Monmouth. He preceded her in death on December 6, 2021.
Left to cherish her memory are two sons, Kristopher (Cassie) Parrish and Patrick (Libby Rosenberry) Parrish, both of Galesburg; and two granddaughters, Victoria (Brad Antkowiak) Parrish, and Althea Parrish of California. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 52 years, Samuel.
Vickie was a special education teacher for the Galesburg School District for about 23 years. She had also worked at St. Mary’s Square for several years. Vickie was a devout member of Gerlaw Christian Church in Cameron. She enjoyed cooking for church functions, funeral luncheons, and her daughter-in-law’s beauty shop. She joyfully hosted Pharmfest at their farm for ten years. As her boys were growing up, Vickie was an avid sports mom. She and Samuel loved showing their horses and attending rodeos together.
Cremation will be accorded. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory in Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to Planned Parenthood (https://www.weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/) or Knox County Democrats (http://www.knoxdems.com/p/donate.html). Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
