Mrs. Judy Marie Parler Govan

On the morning of Friday, July 1, 2022 the Lord in His infinite wisdom called Mrs. Judy Marie Parler Govan from labor to reward. Known and loved by all, THE ANGELIC VOICE, THE SONGBIRD, THE STERN, YET GENTLE GIANT, and above all the aforementioned attributes that distinguished her she was most esteemed as a WIFE, MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER, SISTER AND FRIEND TO ALL.

We thank God for the life that she lived, and the time she shared with us. She passed down her loving kindness, and faithfulness, and it is with these attributes and many more that will strengthen and encourage us all in the days that lie ahead. Our lives have truly been enriched because of her love, selfless ways and her giving spirit. God blessed her with seventy (70) years of life, and she lived it to the Glory of God, to the benefit of her family and as a friend to countless numbers of people. She will be sorely missed but forever loved.

JP was born in Bamberg county on the New Years Eve Holiday, December 31st in the year of 1951.  She was the only daughter of the late Roy and Dorothy Parler. She was preceded in death by her only Daughter, Tiffany Govan, grandson, Duane Wright, her parents, Roy and Dorothy Parler and most recently her brother, Clarence Parler.  

She was a member of the Bushy Pond Baptist Church in Norway, South Carolina under the leadership of Pastor James E. Holiday. She often expressed how God had blessed the church and the surrounding communities with the best Pastor. She had a profound love for her Pastor and all knew it. Judy served God and her church faithfully.  She was a member of the mass choir, senior citizen ministry, missionary ministry and the kitchen ministry. She also served as the vice president of the Pastor’s Aide ministry and as the church assistant secretary.

On April 16, 1982, she was united in holy matrimony to Mr. Lemuel Govan, Sr. For over forty years they shared marital bliss. This union was blessed with three children, however they reared many. She provided extraordinary care for her loving husband as he recently underwent illnesses. She was an amazing caregiver.  

Judy’s educational quest was extensive. She was a graduate of Voorhees High School and Voorhees College where she also earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She furthered her education at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina where she earned a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education, and a Master of Arts in Teaching. She also completed coursework towards an Educational Specialist Degree.  She was a certified educator, who specialized in the area of special needs. During her career she served various schools such as Hunter Kinard Tyler, Allendale Fairfax, Rivelon Elementary, Orangeburg Wilkinson and Edisto Primary.

She was a gentle giant who had a passion for many things.  She was an impeccable cook who was sought out by many to prepare dishes. Some of her favorite dishes consisted of her famous potato salad, macaroni and cheese,

ox tails, chitterlings and perlo rice just to name a few.  She was especially known to hundreds as she selflessly encouraged and helped many through her daily devotion as she forwarded mass text messages that spoke of the goodness of Jesus with scriptures, life lessons and love. As many looked forward the messages, she never spoke about the extensive time it took to complete the task, rather she simply wanted to encourage others no matter what she may have faced in her everyday walk of life. 

As she impacted the lives of many and we loved her so dear, it was time that she traveled alone. She is now praising, singing and dancing for Jesus.  She is an eternal member of the heavenly choir where her angelic voice rings out as she sings some of her favorite songs, “Amazing Grace shall always be my song of praise”, and “God has smiled on me”.  The voice we love stilled, but the memories and songs shall play in our minds and in our hearts forever!    

Her legacy of love will forever be etched in the hearts of her devoted husband, Lemuel Govan, Sr. of the home; her loving sons, Lemuel (Candice) Govan, Jr. of Orangeburg, South Carolina, and Sean Goodwin (Brittney Green) of Blackville, South Carolina; granddaughter who shared her heartbeat, Kendra Green(Fabian Smith) of Orangeburg, South Carolina; adorable grandchildren, Camille, Tristan, Trinity, Sean, Jr., and Paisley;  one charming great granddaughter, Kyla; three brothers, Danny (Maureen) Parler, Sr. of Augusta, Georgia , W. Mack Staley of Bamberg, South Carolina and Ronnie Woods of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; a special aunt Mary Staley White of Denmark, South Carolina; Brothers in law, Nathaniel (Richardine) Govan and Herman Govan; special daughter, Tracey (Michael) James of Norway, South Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

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