Carol Lavon Parrott (nee Wright), beloved matriarch and friend, passed away on the morning of February 19th, 2026, at the age of 84. Carol lived a long and fulfilling life, defined by her close relationships with her family and friends.

Carol was born on August 10th, 1941, growing up in Leasburg, Missouri, moving to St. Louis in her youth. She grew up in a family who embraced their Native American ancestry, providing her with the opportunity to experience the outdoors, learning skills she would carry with her for the rest of her life. Carol worked as a bookkeeper for many years, earning honors for her performance and dedication to her career. Carol also accepted employment in a wide variety of jobs to ensure her children had the best possible life.

Carol lived life to the fullest, always taking time to stop and enjoy being in the moment. She loved and she laughed, being known for her happiness and temperament of endless positivity, rarely seen without a smile on her face. She listened to Christmas music year round, enjoyed film and television comedies, soap operas, and board games. No matter the time, place, or activity, her presence enhanced the experience, from being an occasion of fun to one of love, warmth, and comfort.

Carol's lasting impact on those who knew her can not be understated; beyond her family, she developed close friendships with people in all contexts of her life, from her neighbors, her colleagues, to those she shared a room with while receiving medical treatment. Carol was quick to love and eager to forgive, understanding the most important part of her life were those she loved, and those that loved her back. There was never a doubt that in a room full of special people, she was the standout.

Her death will leave an unfillable void in the lives of her loved ones, with the pain of her passing being a worthwhile cost for being lucky enough to call her family. Carol would often provide advice and guidance, and even in her death, she would encourage her loved ones to keep moving forward, and honor her by being strong, forgiving, and above all, kind.

Carol is survived by her three children, Jamie (James) Bennett; James; and Tina (Scott) Allen; her grandchildren Jeremy; James (Noemi); Kayla (Matt) Klotzbach; and Nicholas; in addition to her four great-grandchildren Parker, Alexa, Kaelyn, and James.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents Clyde and Evelyn Wright; her sister Dorothy (Joseph) Durbin; her aunt Rhonda; grandson John; and her cousin Judy.

Open memorial services will be held at Jay B. Smith Funeral Home, at 777 Oakwood Dr, Fenton, MO 63026. There will be a wake on Thursday, February 26th, 2026 from 4:00-8:00 PM, and a funeral service beginning at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 27th, 2026.