Eileen Parsons

Frances Eileen Cozzens was born on January 22, 1928 to S.M. and Sallie Cozzens on the family homestead SW of Capitan. Eileen passed from this world on May 5, 2009 at her Roswell home surrounded by the love of her family. Her hope is to meet her loved ones again in the presence of God her creator, and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Harry R. Parsons Jr., her son Dr. Harry R. Parsons and wife Pat of Dexter, daughters Dr. Sally Parsons of Greeley, CO, Janet Thorson and husband Kurt of Albuquerque, Debbie Harrelson and husband Colt of Ruidoso, and Diane Parsons of the home. Her much beloved grandchildren are Clay Cohorn of Coyle, OK, Patrick Cohorn of Midland, TX, Bonnie Eileen Parsons of Lubbock, TX, Jake and Andi Harrelson of Ruidoso, and Ahren and Alex Thorson of Albuquerque, and great-granddaughter Halle Cohorn of Midland, TX. Eileen is survived by brothers L.C. Cozzens and wife Mary Lou of Capitan, Doyle Cozzens and wife Jeanne of Roswell, and Ken Cozzens and wife Pauline of San Marcos, CA. Another brother, Wayne Cozzens, recently preceded her in death along with two brothers who passed away in infancy, Franklin Cozzens and Baby Cozzens. Her sisters are Cornelia Grannis of Monrovia, CA, Jane Cozzens and Marilyn Cozzens of Roswell, and sister in law Pat Cozzens of Albuquerque. Eileen loved her many, many cherished nephews and nieces fondly. Growing up during the depression, times were tough here in New Mexico, but a relative from Texas said the Cozzens were not poor, they just didn’t have any money. There was always plenty of love and plenty of food at the Primo Cozzens home and Eileen and her brothers and sisters didn’t know they were missing anything. Eileen graduated from Capitan High School in 1946 and Pasadena College in 1950. Her first teaching job was in Fort Sumner where she met Bob Parsons. They were married on December 23, 1951. Eileen was raised in the Nazarene Church, and joined the Fort Sumner United Methodist Church in 1951. Eileen taught Home Economics, English, and Civics at Fort Sumner High School for 26 years where she still has many friends and former students. When her health began to fail her and the hospital closed in Fort Sumner, she moved to Roswell in 2005. Services will be held on Saturday, May 9 at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church in Fort Sumner. Officiating will be Rev. Stephen Deutsch. Interment will be at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers are Gary Cozzens, Colt Harrelson, Kurt Thorson, Clay Cohorn, Patrick Cohorn, John Eastwood, Caleb Elliott and Jason Elliot. Honorary pallbearers are all her many relatives and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to Roswell Vista Care Hospice, 400 N. Pennsylbania Ave. Suite 500, Roswell, NM 88201 or First United Methodist Church P.O. Box 410, Fort Sumner, NM 88119. Her family would like to give a tremendous thank you to the many wonderful health care providers, especially Carol, Lettie, Lisa, Dan, Joy, Chris and Cecil who allowed her to be able to stay in her own home and helped her family care for her. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth street; Fort Sumner, NM 88119. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com