Elizabeth (Beth) Parrott

Elizabeth (Beth) Parrott passed away peacefully in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Beth, a fiercely independent woman, was 84 and lived every one of those years with an open and curious mind.

Beth was a mother, grandmother, friend, craftsperson, cook, teacher, life-long learner, and Parkinsonian. Although born in Pennsylvania, Beth spent most of her life in New Hampshire, Connecticut, and South Carolina. She pursued a graduate degree in biochemistry from the University of New Hampshire and taught high school biology there. Beth eventually earned an MBA from the University of New Haven and became Vice President at Bank of America. She also taught classes on weaving and natural dyeing techniques and served for a time as the Director of the Guilford Arts Center in Guilford, CT.

Beth moved to Charleston in 2004 when her grandson MacGregor was born. She cared for him, and subsequently, her granddaughter Sadie, for the first year of their lives. Under her great tutelage they learned that pots and pans, wooden spoons, and balls of yarn are indeed the best toys. Beth, or ‘Oma’ as she was known to her grandchildren, was an integral part of her grandchildren’s lives, offering ‘Oma camp’ in the summer, taxi service, and tutoring upon request. Oh, and dessert. Always dessert, and always chocolate.

After retirement Beth could be found knitting or cooking while listening to NPR, James Taylor, or Peter, Paul, and Mary. She could easily spend a solid 12 hours in the kitchen. What she did during those hours was a source of deliberation amongst her family (although her penchant for re-arranging items in the pantry and refrigerator was apparent when, for example, one needed a cup of sugar or that chicken stock).

Beth belonged to several knitting groups and published three sock-knitting books. In her much later years, she was often trailed by a string of yarn as she made her way around the house - either because it escaped her pocket or it was caught in her wheelchair. She had a custom-made closet just to house her knitting projects and yarn. If you knew Beth, you know.

Beth will be remembered for her fierce independence, her welcoming and generous spirit, her keen intellect, and her ability to teach anything to anyone.

Beth is preceded in death by her parents, Heinz and Ruth Brown, and her brother Fred Brown.

Beth is survived by her daughter Marna Stilley and Marna’s partner Mark Turansky; her grandchildren MacGregor Stilley and Sadie Stilley, their father Chad Stilley, and their grandparents Henry and Kathy Stilley; as well as many nieces, nephews, and knitting friends.

A memorial celebration is being planned for a later time.

Memorial contributions in memory of Beth may be made to the PAN Foundation at panfoundation.org.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, (843) 884-3833.