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Linda Ann (Kirkland) Parrish, Ed.D

It is with great sadness to announce that Dr. Linda Ann (Kirkland) Parrish, 80, a resident of Dothan, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at her residence, following an extended illness.

Linda was born February 18, 1945, in Panama City, Florida, to the late J.W. & Thelma Ruth (Carlile) Kirkland. She spent the early years of her life in Dothan and was a 1963 graduate of Dothan High School. Following high school, she attended Columbus Medical Center School of Nursing in Columbus, GA, and graduated in 1966 with her bachelor’s degree. She then attended Troy University, where she obtained her master’s degree, and later she earned her Doctorate of Education at the University of Alabama.

Dr. Parrish served for many years as the Director of the Licensed Practical Nursing Program at Wallace Community College and then as the Dean of Nursing and Technical Programs, until her retirement in 2000. During her career, she also served as the President of the Alabama State Board of Nursing. She was a faithful member of Evergreen Presbyterian Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Mike Kirkland.

She is survived by Ronnie Parrish of Dothan, the love of her life and her husband of 59 years; her two sons, Brad Parrish (Heather) and Brent Parrish, both of Dothan; and her three grandchildren, Garrett Parrish, Presley Parrish, and Paxton Parrish.

Linda’s greatest joy was supporting her children and her grandchildren through her attendance at sporting events, theatre productions, pageants, dance recitals, and more. Her unwavering support and love for her immediate and extended family were so important to her. She also had so many lifelong friends with whom she continued to stay in contact through her illness. Linda and Ronnie enjoyed traveling before and after retirement to favorite places, like Biloxi, Panama City Beach, Las Vegas, the Caribbean, and Hawaii.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations to be made in support of the Nursing Programs at Wallace Community College; 1141 Wallace Drive; Dothan, AL 36303.