Johnnie Karon Nila Parish, 59, passed away August 2, 2011 at her home in Dodge City. She was born on August 10, 1951 in Mount Clemens, Michigan, the daughter of Rufus Brown and Iola Burns.

On December 31, 2003, she married James Parish in Dodge City. He survives. Johnnie was a beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and lifelong learner. She had many interests and hobbies. Never afraid of a new challenge, she boldly moved from Michigan to Kansas in 1999 in order to spend more time with her grandchildren. Being a License Practical Nurse enabled her to work in many states, including Michigan, Texas, Missouri, and Kansas and still enjoy time with her family. She enjoyed going to Bible Baptist Church in Dodge City with her husband and her youngest daughter, Mediah, and her family. She found solace when writing poetry, playing the guitar, reading, and spending time with her family and her beloved animals.

In addition to her husband James Parish of Dodge City, Johnnie is also survived by her three children, Paul Reed of Wilbur, Missouri, Paula Reed of Benton Harbor, Michigan and Mediah Gasca and husband Enrique of Dodge City; and three grandsons, Isaak, Ezekiel, and Enrique Jr. Gasca all of Dodge City. She also leaves behind her two brothers, Tony New and wife Dianna of Florida and Ron New and wife Cheryl of Michigan; She is preceded in death by her parents and as well as her first grandchild, Amaleah Azure Rosado.

Funeral service will be held at Bible Baptist Church on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 10:00 AM with Pastor Albert Shrock presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Johnnie Parish Memorial Fund in care of Swaim Funeral Home- 1901 Sixth Ave- Dodge City, Kansas 6780. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.