Claire Rubash Parrott, 95, passed away peacefully at home on June 5 ^th , surrounded by her family.  She was born on March 26, 1925 in Panama City, daughter of Joe and Mary Jane Woodward Rubash of St. Andrew.  A native of Panama City, she attended St. Andrew Elementary School and Bay High School, and always declared that St. Andrew was "where I was born and where I'm going to die."  When asked her "happy place," she always answered "right here in St. Andrew."

While still a senior in high school, she was hired to sort mail for the Tyndall Air Force Base Post Office.  Being the war years, help was difficult to find, and Claire proved herself to be a hard worker and very dependable.  These traits followed her during her 38 years as a postal employee for the Panama City Post Office, her "second home," and paved the pathway from clerk to finance examiner for the postal district.

Mother was a strong woman who held tight to her beliefs of right and wrong her entire life.  She was the first employee of the Panama City Post Office to sue the federal government for sexual discrimination when she was overlooked as a candidate for a job only she was qualified to hold.  There was no gray area in Mother's mind.  It was either right or wrong.

One of her memories as a high school student was the day Bay High was dismissed early for the students to attend the dedication of the new Panama City Post Office.  She remembered not only the beautiful building, but also the federal officials who were there.  Little did she expect to one day work in that building.

The post office was where she made her closest friends as a young woman, and she nurtured those friendships throughout her life.  Following her retirement, she joined the Crape Myrtle Circle of the Panama City Garden Club, serving as club treasurer and photographer during her membership.  She also became an active member of the Captain James Day Chapter of the Colonial Dames Seventeenth Century, a national lineage society, also serving as treasurer and photographer.  When the public library needed volunteers, Mother and close friends Norma Hubbard and Carlton Price stepped up and worked tirelessly to set up for book sales to raise much-needed library money.  For her "fun" volunteer effort, she joined both a line dancing group to dance for local nursing and retirement homes and the "Red Hat Society."  She made lasting friendships in all of her groups.

She enjoyed traveling with her family and friends, skiing in Switzerland, museum-hopping in London, and riding camels in Egypt, for example.  Each fall she took her daughters to New York City for a long weekend of Broadway productions and sightseeing.  Her love of history added to the significance of each trip, whether it was for personal enrichment or family history.

Mother was a lifelong member of St. Andrew Baptist Church where she believed in the mission of her neighborhood church and enjoyed the dedication and spirituality of the members.  She was first taken to Sunday School at the age of three by her aunt, Fannie Destin Williams who was a Sunday School teacher.  Dr. Morris Denman, minister to those members who are unable to attend church services, was a blessing to the whole family for his continued faithfulness to Mother and her spiritual needs.  Our family so appreciates the love and concern shown by her teachers, Mary Scoggins and Carrie Gibson, to her during her illness.  Mrs. Scoggins bought her fresh Georgia pecans every Christmas and Mrs. Gibson called every Saturday afternoon to check on her health.  They are both dedicated teachers and friends.

She is predeceased by her husband, Orvis (Joe) Parrott, parents, Joe and Mary Jane Rubash, siblings, Grace Mae Kent of Panama City and James J. Rubash of Liberty, Texas, and niece, Marilyn Kent Jones.  Survivors include her daughters, Patty (Lamar) Sikes of Pensacola, Gwen (Fred) Johnson of Tallahassee, and Bonnie (Bob) Allen of Murphy, North Carolina.  Grandchildren include Hugh (LeeAnn) Sikes, Julie Albert, Joe (Ashley) Sikes, Lane Johnson, Carter (Christina) Johnson, Bonnie (Jamie) Davenport, Cristy (Flemming) Kristensen of Jensen Beach and Cindy (Hayward) Kelley of Coconut Creek.  Great grandchildren are Ashton Sikes, Carson Sikes, Jack Albert, Madison Sikes, Ansley Sikes, Joseph Sikes, Campbell Sikes, Kai Kristensen and Ava Kristensen.  She will be especially missed by her sister, Patricia Ann Murfee, and best friend, Norma Hubbard.  Mother adored her nieces and nephews, Carolyn Kent England, Shirley Kent Daffin, Gail Murfee Knowles, Charlotte Murfee Strickland, Mark Rubash and Brad Rubash.

We want to thank Nancy Rogers and Patty Richardson, who dropped everything to help with Mother whenever we needed them, and for their love and care during her illness.  Sherri Hill and Tina White bravely attended Mother during the Covid19 threat, and were most attentive and loving until the end of her life.  Her physical therapist, April Mercer of Tender Touch, made a big difference in the quality of life for Mother as her balance and confidence began to deteriorate.  April's skill and constant attention to Mother's physical mobility encouraged Mother to walk.  She had two special neighbors, Vic and Linda Jones, who checked on all of us daily, brought Mother special treats and were always the first ones here to help us in a crisis.

The family is grateful for the special care given Mother by her physician, Dr. Liaqat Hayat, and his staff.  They always answered every question, no matter how simple, and provided quick appointments when needed.  The family very much appreciates their extra attention and concern.

We sincerely appreciate the help of Covenant Hospice nurse, Karla Furney, and CNA Kimberly Henderson, who together made her transition a peaceful one.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Andrew Community Medical Center , 3101B West Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401, or Covenant Hospice of Panama City , 107 19 ^th Street, Panama City, FL 32405.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 12, 2020 at 1 pm in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 12-1 pm prior to the service.