Irene B. Parkman

Irene B. Parkman, a devoted mother, grandmother, and woman of faith, peacefully passed away at home on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the age of 86. A longtime resident of Gulfport, MS, she was born in Prentiss and spent her life serving others with kindness and grace.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Simon (Sime) Parkman; her parents, Deacon Adam Blanchard Sr. and Lucy Mae Blanchard; and her siblings Idell Blanchard, Adam Blanchard Jr., and Delois Blanchard Cooper.

Irene is survived by her loving children: Shirley Young and Claudie (Kesha) Sellers; her devoted siblings: Charles Blanchard, Eva Lois Love, Patricia Blanchard, and Retired Lt. Col. Levell (Lisa) Blanchard.

She was a proud grandmother to five: SGT Danny (DJ) Young, Jr., Jay, Brandon Young, Jazzmin Sellers, Shakala Sellers and Meilani Sellers. Irene was also blessed to have one great-grandchild, Zander E. Young.

A woman of quiet strength, Irene worked for 35 years as a nurse aide to Janet Rushing until Janet’s passing in 2008. Her dedication to her work and her faith was unwavering. She was a faithful member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Gulfport, where she found spiritual strength and community.

Irene found joy in simple pleasures—sewing, ironing, cleaning, watching game shows, and solving crossword puzzles. Her life was a testament to hard work, devotion, and love for family and God.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 30, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 1500 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Gulfport, MS 39501. Family and friends are invited to a visitation time beginning an hour prior to the funeral service.

We are celebrating the incredible life of Irene B. Parkman, who will forever be in our hearts and memories, loved and remembered always. As she would always say,

“Keep living.”

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is honored to be assisting Mrs. Parkman's family with arrangements.