Gertrude "Trude" Ann Parsons, a remarkable soul whose unexpected passing has left us all in sorrow, went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 19, 2023, at the age of 75. Trude was born May 6, 1948, in Washington D.C., to the late Samuel and Gertrude Brookbank. She was currently residing in Mechanicsville, Md. Her departure, though sudden, does not diminish the profound impact she had on so many lives.

From the depths of her heart, Trude held an unwavering love for Jesus and the gospel. Her faith served as a guiding force and a steadfast source of strength that touched the lives of everyone around her. Her devotion to Jesus was evident not only in her words but also in her selfless acts of compassion, humility, and kindness each day. She often expressed her gratitude for life's blessings with grace and sincerity. Her big, warm hugs of welcome will be greatly missed.

Throughout her life, Trude embraced diverse roles and experiences, from her early days of baton twirling culminating in five seasons with the Washington Redskinettes as well as her dedicated service to the federal government at the EPA and Water Resources Council from 1971-1981.

Trude's love extended deeply to children. After graduating from George Mason University in 1991, she treasured her role as an elementary educator in Fairfax County from 1991 to 2002. Upon moving to Chesapeake, VA, she devoted time to nurturing the minds of her beloved grandchildren. Tutoring sessions often ended with Gamma's delicious pancakes and swim time in the pool.

Nature held a special place in Trude's heart, with her affinity for birds and the calming beauty of the beach. Sailing the Chesapeake Bay and family beach trips to Emerald Isle, NC, were treasures that she held close, creating enduring memories that her family will forever cherish.

She extended warmth and care to those around her inviting many into her home for extended stays. From housing a Laos refugee family to nurturing her father in his last years, Trude was an inspiration of love in action. In one of her greatest acts of selflessness, she welcomed two little boys into her heart and home when she wed her husband, Donald, in 1978 and became a dear mother to her beloved stepsons, Christopher and Stuart.

Trude's life was not without its share of sorrows, as she was predeceased by her parents, Samuel, Sr. and Gertrude Brookbank, her husband, Donald F. Parsons, her brother, James "Jimmy" Brookbank and his wife, Lynda, her sister-in-law Joyce Brookbank, and her great-grandson, Gregory Matthews, Jr.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons Christopher George Parsons (Julie) and Stuart Douglas Parsons (Carrie Beth), her sister, Mary Lu Bucci (James), brothers Samuel, Jr. "Eddie" and John (Tina) Brookbank, along with numerous nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren- Gregory Matthews (Kalie), Michael Parsons (Caitlyn), Robert Brett Parsons (Margaret), Brevin Parsons (Samuel), Timothy Parsons (Lillian), Katherine Heard (Hayden), Madison Parsons (Angel), and Joshua Parsons- whose lives she touched with love and care.

Trude's impact will continue through future generations, touching the lives of her great-grandchildren- Isabella and Aubree Matthews and Baby Delilah Leonardo. They will come to know her through stories of her boundless love and grace.

Trude's legacy lives on in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched. As we bid her a temporary farewell, we know that her spirit is alive with Jesus and will remain forever with us, guiding us with the light she left behind.

A memorial service to celebrate Trude's life will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 1:00 pm at Living Word Community Church, 39371 Harpers Corner Rd, Mechanicsville, Md. 20659. A reception will follow immediately afterward at Faith Bible Church, 26325 Three Notch Rd, Mechanicsville, Md. 20659. In honor of her spirit of generosity, the family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Care Net Pregnancy Center of Southern Maryland at P.O. Box 31, Lexington Park, Md. 20653 or Special Olympics Maryland-St. Mary's County at P.O. Box 921, Hollywood, Md. 20636.