Elizabeth Parrott London

Elizabeth Parrott London, a long time Throckmorton resident and a lady in the true sense of the word died on March 30, 2015 at the age of 96.
A visitation will be held  from 6:00-7:00 p. m. on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at Smith Family Funeral Home in Throckmorton.  Burial will be  April 3, 2015  in the Throckmorton Cemetery at 2:00 p.m., under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes.    A memorial service will  follow at The First United Methodist Church of Throckmorton, Texas, at 2:30 p. m.  April 3, 2015 with Rev. Jay Gage officiating.

Elizabeth was born on May 23, 1918 in Throckmorton, Texas to James Massie, "Gee" , Parrott and Bessie Condron Parrott.   She grew up in a family of two brothers , Jake and Johnny, and two sisters, Ada and Bonita.   As a young girl she was greatly influenced by her Grandmother Parrott who taught her all the graces of a fine lady. This example was taken to heart and a central tenant of her life.

She graduated from Throckmorton High School in 1935.  She worked at the Throckmorton Tribune and for Condron Thorp Insurance.
As a young lady, she was courted by a very capable cowboy, G. D., "Nig" London.  He  was known in the area as a cowboy and catteman. They married November 6, 1937  and established their life on a ranch.  He became a rancher near Archer City and she became his devoted wife and partner in life.  Theirs was a deep love built on family values .  Elizabeth and Nig moved back to Throckmorton in 1940 where they became an active part of the community.   Elizabeth quickly established a home and circle of friends.
To this union they were blessed with a daughter, Georgia.

Ranching influences and shapes the life of the family.  So it was in the life of Nig and Elizabeth as they built a ranch partnership.  Elizabeth was always at his side to support and do her part to strengthen the business.  Her versatility expanded as the ranching operations expanded.  As more land was leased and more cattle were bought, she transitioned from being a homemaker to being business partner and when needed a ranch cook .  At one time, she cooked for 20-30 cowboys three meals a day and every cowboy that sat at one of her tables knew they were to use their best manners.

While she made a life for her husband and herself traveling from ranch to ranch, she stayed connected to her family and friends in Throckmorton.   She had grown-up with numerous family members to whom she was close.  In her younger years, she helped her Mother with hosting family holidays and learned how to establish traditions that kept the family connected. Elizabeth established herself as the keeper of the family traditions, the host of holidays, birthdays, and other events.  She became the matriarch of the family and she played that role perfectly.

She was passionate about the love of God in her life.  She was the oldest, continuous members of First United Methodist Church where she was a member for eighty five years.  Along with family, faith was a pillar of her life.  She had many roles in the church from Sunday School teacher to being a conference officer in United Methodist Women.  Elizabeth was a life member of United Methodist Women.

A caring and dedicated mother to their daughter, Georgia.  She was the quintessential grandmother to her grandson, George.    They were close as he spent many summers with them helping his grandfather on the ranch.  Grandmother was always there to listen with interest, laugh at TV shows, advise on what was proper, and remind him of the values she held so dear.   She took pleasure in being called Great Gran by her great grandchildren, Hanna and Scott Keeter.  She took pride in their talents and accomplishments. She was involved in community activities.  She was a member of 39 Study Club, serving as an officer, board member of Depot Library, as well as various other organizations.

Elizabeth is survived by: her daughter, Georgia London Keeter and husband, Harrell, of Throckmorton, her grandson George Thomas Keeter and wife Liesl of McKinney, Texas, and her two great grandchildren, Hanna Elizabeth  and Scott William Keeter, and her nephew, Ralph Parrott and wife Betty, and nieces, Pam Lyons and Kathy Davidson and husband, Bart.

She is preceded in death by:  her husband, G. D. "Nig" London, parents, Gee and Bessie Parrott, her brothers, Jake and Johnny Parrott, and sisters, Ada Collins and Bonita Horton.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Throckmorton,
Throckmorton Ex-Student Scholarship Fund, or Depot Library.

Online condolences can be shared with Elizabeth's family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.