WALKER, Mo. — Barbara “Lee” Parsons,

born September 21, 1958, in Milwaukee, Wis., passed away January 5, 2023 in Walker, Mo., of sudden cardiac arrest following years recovering from alcoholism.

She grew up in Rochester, Mich., where Sharon Nelson became “Barb’s” friend and advocate; later they became mother and daughter. Each July 4, Lee visited Sharon, Adam, and Terry. She loved fishing, cycling, bowling, traveling, and sharing with good friend Laura Stanley. She was grateful to live with Delores Sowerbrower.

She had many friends in recovery at Reservoir, Cosmopolitan, Taproot, Bridging the Gap, Wolfe Street, Sherwood, Pinnacle, Fayetteville, Walker groups. Her life improved in recovery, and she helped women as Dill’s House manager in LR. Her last sponsor was Sandy S. of Roland. She had an uncanny gift with dogs, managing a kennel for her close friend, Mary Ann Boggess in Walker.

She leaves behind her dogs, Zip and Ellie. She was preceded in death by her dogs, Daisy May and Guinevere (Guinie); her parents, Robert Lee and Evelyn; younger siblings, Robert Jr. and Nadine; and Cherokee-Delaware paternal grandparents. Lee found joy at home in Walker saying, “The sky is so black at night that only the moon sheds your path without light. I lay out at night and the stars are magnificent. I listen to coyotes, owls, turkeys and whatever. My only neighbor is Bob, a box turtle. Hope all is well in your world.” Lee will be greatly missed.

Memorial service 3 p.m. February 12th, St. Patrick, 211 W. 19th Street, NLR. Reception following. In lieu of gifts, please adopt and take good care of a shelter dog or donate.