Kathryn Christofas Parris

Kathryn Christofas Parris of Durham passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 14, 2017. She was 67 years old. Kathy spent most of her life in the Philadelphia area, and her primary vocation was as homemaker and mother. While she gave birth to only one daughter, she was a mother to many people. Over the course of more than 40 years, she taught thousands of elementary school children, voluneered with youth organizations, and coached sports teams. Her greatest lessoneespoused cooperation, sportsmanship, and respect. Her educational background was ineealth, physical education, and American history. She was an accomplished field hockey and lacrosse player in high school and college. And from a very young age, she developed a lifelong passion for Colonial Williamsburg. Kathy valued the traditions of her Greek heritage, especially those around family. In 2012, she and her husband moved to Durham to be closer to their daughter and family. She embraced the community, serving as a substitute teacher at Durham Academy, a voluneer in a number of roles with St. Philip's Episcopal Church, and a friend to many. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Nicholas Parris; brother, Peter L. Christofas; sister-in-law, Mary Parris; daughter, Anna Parris Walker; son-in-law, J. Robert Walker, IV; granddaughter, Caroline Parris Walker; and a whole host of adopted family members. Kathy was predeceased by her parents, Louis J. and Theresa Christofas; and her granddaughters, Grace Thompson Walker and Catherine Parris Walker. A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. from St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 403 E. Main Street, Durham, NC 27701. In lieu of flowers, contributions canee made to Duke Children's Hospital, 710 W. Main Street, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27701; or to Children???s and Youth Ministries, St. Philip???s Episcopal Church, 403 E. Main Street, Durham, NC 27701.