Cynthia Denise Parham

Cynthia Denise Parham was born on November 26, 1958, in Birmingham, Alabama, to  her loving parents, John Wade and Mary Louise Goolsby. From her earliest days, Cynthia lived as a servant child of God, carrying a gentle spirit and a heart full of compassion.

She attended school in the Lafayette County School District, where  her petite stature and bright personality made her a standout cheerleader. She graduated from Lafayette High School Class of 1976. Cynthia often shared that it was her cheerleading that first caught the eye of the love of her life, Thomas Aaron Parham, Jr. Their bond grew into a beautiful union, and in 1979 they were joined in holy matrimony. To this loving marriage, two wonderful sons were born: Michael  Parham and Desmond Parham.

Cynthia lived an active, purposeful life, always moving with intention and joy. After a long illness, she peacefully closed her eyes and answered God's heavenly call on February 1, 2026, resting in the arms of  the Father at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi.

Her legacy of faith, love, and strength will continue to live on in all who knew her in the community. She was meticulously involved in Community Services and Legacy.

Her faith guided every step she took. Her church family remained close to her heart always present in her thoughts, prayers, and acts of kindness. As a devoted member of the East St. Peter Women, she served faithfully until her health no longer allowed, offering her hands, her wisdom, and her love to the ministry and its mission.

She leaves behind a legacy of service, integrity, and compassion that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. Cynthia faithfully served her community for over 20 years as a licensed cosmetologist and an independent Allstate Agent. Through her work, she built lasting relationships grounded in trust, professionalism, and genuine care for others. Known for her kind heart, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to helping those around her. Cynthia touched countless lives both personally and professionally. Her presence, generosity, and dedication to service will be deeply missed, but her impact will forever remain in the hearts of those she served and loved.

Community Service - Faithful Commitment and Legacy

Her life was a  testament to service- steady, compassionate, grounded in a genuine love for people. She believed in lifting others, strengthening her community, and preserving the history and values that shaped it. Through every role she embraced she carried a spirit of humility, purpose, and unwavering dedication. She dedicated her gifts, time, and her voice to making Oxford a stronger, more compassionate place for all.

She was an active and devoted member of the NAACP, where she supported efforts to advance civil right, expand voter education, and ensure fairness and opportunity for all. Her work with the League of Women Voters reflected her belief in civic responsibility and the power of informed participation. She encouraged others to use their voices, their votes and their influence to build a better future.

Her commitment extended to the Oxford Development Association (ODA) , where she contributed to programs that uplifted families and strengthen the community she cherished. She also worked diligently with the Heritage Foundation, pouring her energy into preserving local history. Her efforts were especially meaningful at the historic Burns-Belfry Museum and Multicultural Center, where she helped honor and protect the stories, struggles, and triumphs that shaped Oxford 's rich cultural legacy.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Her church family was always in her thoughts, prayers, and actions. As a devoted member of the East St. Peter Women's Choir, Church Secretary, and faithful servant in various roles, she gave her time and her heart to the ministry she loved. She served joyfully and consistently until her health no longer allowed, and even then, her love for her church family never wavered.

She leaves behind a legacy of service, faith, and compassion-one that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Aaron Parham, Jr,; her devoted parents, John and Mary Louise Goolsby; her cherished brothers, RicoGoolsby, Alvin Goolsby and Adonis Goolsby. Their memories remained close to her heart throughout her life, and she now joins them in eternal rest.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory: her children, Michael (Shoutell) Parham of Little Rock, AR; Desmond (Michiria) Parham of Oxford, MS; nine grandchildren, Jayden Parham, Kameron Parham, Paislee Parham, Paxston Parham, Austin Parham, Ashton Parham, Isaiah Johnson, Janiyah Sims and JaCarri Ivy; one great-granddaughter, Ashlynn Parham; her siblings; Wanda Goolsby of Memphis, TN; Anthony Goolsby of Oxford, MS; three sisters in love, Joyce Parham of Oxford, MS; Linda Parham of Warner Robins, GA; Denise Goolsby of Booneville, MS; Her two special nieces, Chastidy  Goolsby and Kris Goolsby of Memphis, TN; A a host of aunts, uncles, relatives, and special friends.

She rest in the promise of Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.