Funeral Services for Mrs. Natalie Vaughn Parris, age 90, of the Boom Community, in Pickett County, Tennessee will be conducted 2 p.m., Saturday, May 9, 2026, from the chapel of Livingston Funeral Home.  Bro. Marcus Williams will officiate.  Burial to follow in the Cope Cemetery.  The family will welcome friends on Saturday from 12 noon until time of services.

Not many people have the privilege of living to the age of 90, but Natalie Vaughn Parris did, and she lived it well.

Natalie Vaughn Parris, age 90, of the Boom community in Monroe, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, devotion to family, and a lifetime of faithful service.

Natalie was born in Monroe, Tennessee, to Elbert LeRoy (“Roy”) and Rillie (Smith) Vaughn. She later spent part of her early married life in Ypsilanti, Michigan, with her husband, Marshall Parris, where they began their family. While in Michigan, she attended Cleary University Business College and learned shorthand, a skill that would lead to a long and dedicated 37-year career at the District Attorney General’s Office in Livingston, Tennessee. Missing their home and families, Natalie and Marshall soon returned to Tennessee, where both were born and raised in the Boom community, and there they remained for the next 70 years. In 1977, she began working for the State of Tennessee under John Roberts and continued serving alongside many others throughout her career until her retirement in 2014. She was widely respected for her professionalism, loyalty, and strong work ethic, and she formed lasting friendships with colleagues, clerks, attorneys, judges, and members of law enforcement. 

Natalie was a lifelong and devoted member of Monroe Christian Church, and she will be remembered for her deep faith in the Lord, her commitment to the gospel, and her unwavering devotion to her family. One of the most beautiful aspects of Natalie was her personality and smile; she had a radiant personality that brought light to every room she entered and a strength that carried her through life with grace. One of Natalie’s greatest loves (besides her family and her faith) was her deep love for reading and could often be found getting lost for hours in a good book. More than once she was heard telling someone that through reading, anyone could travel anywhere and meet anyone without ever leaving home. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Marshall Parris (July 5, 2022), and her son, Darrell Marshall Parris (April 2, 2024).

Natalie is survived by her loving daughters, Tammie Kay Parris Smith (Ronnie F.), Cindy Parris Wright (Scott), and Denise “Dea” Parris Tampke (Walter); and by a cherished non-biological son she loved as her own, Owen Bernett. She is also survived by her remaining sibling, Keven Vaughn, and her brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Nell Parris of Dawson, Georgia, who were her favorite fishing partners. She always eagerly looked forward to their fishing trips together.

Natalie is further survived by her grandchildren: Chad Hicks, Jodi Parsons Deck, Kayla Henley Lee (Marshall), Ethan Henley, Landen Wright, Natalie Tampke, and Paris Tampke. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Chad Hicks Jr., Bella Parsons, Gemma Deck, Aria Lee, and Emmett Lee.

Natalie will be remembered as a woman of profound faith, steadfast love, and extraordinary devotion to her family. Her life was a true reflection of her commitment to God and to those she cherished, leaving behind a lasting legacy that will continue through generations. 

Funeral services to honor and celebrate Natalie’s life will be held at Livingston Funeral Home on Saturday, May 9th. Family visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., with open visitation from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Cope Cemetery in Pickett County, Tennessee. Monroe Christian Church will host a small meal for the family following the burial.

The pallbearers selected to honor Natalie’s memory is her son-in-law, Ronnie F. Smith; her grandsons, Ethan Henley, Landen Wright, and Chad Hicks Jr.; her granddaughter Bella Parsons; and her nephew, Ralph Parris Jr.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cope Cemetery Fund in memory of Natalie Parris. Livingston Funeral Home will be accepting all donations and will forward all funds to Cope Cemetery.

Natalie’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Overton County Health and Rehab, as well as the staff of The Cottages, Dr. Cox, and Gentiva Hospice. The care and compassion shown during this most difficult time were truly a comfort to the family.

The family would also like to thank her lifelong and dearest friend, Emily Sells, for her assistance in helping memorialize her. Emily, you were her constant rock and support. Thank you for being her special person.