Toyua Jones Parrish
Toyua Jones Parrish, 68, passed away with her daughter laying by her side, surrounded by her grandchildren, at her home in Andrews, TX on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Toyua was born in Lamesa, TX on September 28, 1953 to James Oliver Jones, Sr. and Vera Alma Bucholz. She was preceded in dearth by her parents, grandson Cannan Stephens and her son-in-law Chris Stephens. She is survived by her daughter Erin Nicole Stephens of Andrews, sister Linda Sue Forester and husband Bobby Dan of Andrews, brother James “Jimmy” Oliver Jones, Jr. and wife Julia of Roswell, NM, and grandchildren Noah, Rocky and Lola, of Andrews.
Moving here from Lamesa in 1954. She attended Andrews Schools until her Graduation in 1972. Toyua had a beautiful smile, contagious giggle, was soft spoken, kind, and loved to dance. She enjoyed spending time with family and most especially her beloved grandchildren, attending the many sports events they are involved in. She was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Elton John.
As a child Toyua was introduced to the sport of golf by her beloved daddy who was an avid golfer. Toyua fell in love with the sport. Unfortunately, as she entered Jr. High and High School, female golfers were few in West Texas. That never deterred her. She would travel with the boy’s team and compete as a medalist with what girls that did play. She spent her summers playing golf with her daddy and his men’s group, honing her skills. Soon, there was not a boy on the team that she couldn’t outplay. The Odessa College coach was once overheard commenting “Boys, there’s is a 15-year-old girl in Andrews that can hammer every one of you”. Thus, the legend of Toyua golf was established.
In the mid 70’s Toyua and her mother traveled to Florida for her to compete in the qualifier for the Ladies Pro Golf Association. After driving 21 hours and being stricken with a stomach virus on the way, Toyua posted a score that was one shot out of qualifying for the LPGA Tour. George Boynton, coach of the first girls’ golf team, established in 1982, recalls playing in a tournament with Toyua. “We played and never used one of my shots until the 15th hole! She was good. Truly one of the most amazing women golfers I have ever seen.” What accolades from the coach/assistant coach of 6 Andrews Girls Golf State Championship Teams. Toyua was known and admired throughout the West Texas golf scene. Toyua retired from Phillips Petroleum, being one of the first women ever hired as a roustabout and then pumper. She performed her job with dignity and was a devoted, hard worker who gained much respect from her fellow male co-workers.
Toyua and her daughter talked many times about the progression of her disease. Their decision was to help in some way. Her brain will be sent to the University of Miami for Alzheimer’s research.
Toyua was truly a woman of vision with a pioneering spirit. She will be truly missed.
Toyua’s remains will be interred in the Andrews Old Cemetery at a later date.
In leu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the University of Miami Department of Neurology (www.ummemoryprogram.org/advancement) or the Andrews Ladies Golf Association Girls Golf Scholarship Fund.
