Barbara Parrish Appel

Barbara Ann Parrish Appel, 90, of Durham, passed away May 28, 2026, at her residence with her youngest son and her beloved dog sleeping beside her. It was not lost on family that, just like in life, she did so when she was good and ready. She went at home, in her sleep, exactly the way she had always planned.

Mrs. Appel was born in Durham County on May 10, 1936, to the late Luther and Rosa Parrish. She was a member of the Old-Fashioned Tabernacle. She worked all her life - first at Liggett and Myers, then several grocery store chains and finally, in later life, her remaining work years as a bank teller.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Appel is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Kenneth Appel, Sr.; brother Luther “LT” Parrish; sisters, Rosa Price, Peggy Tiller, Sandra Shelton, Sheila Williams and Jackie Horton; grandsons, David Lee Appel and Mark Burton Harris; great-great grandson Noah Hall.

Mrs. Appel is survived by her sons, Kenneth Appel, Jr. and Jerry W. Appel, both of Durham; daughters, Vivian Harris and husband David Harris of Durham and Elizabeth “Liz” Tackett and husband Charles of Clinton, NC; 11 grandchildren, Matthew, Sherri, Kenni, Todd, Stephen, Michele, Jennifer, Miranda and J.W., 24 great grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren.

Mrs. Appel spent her retirement years caring for her grandchildren and great grandchildren, cooking Sunday dinner for her sons and walking her beloved dog “Killer”. In her final days, she was very clear that she was ready to “go home” to be with her Lord and to see her loved ones who went before her.

A visitation will be held from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday June 8, 2026, at Hudson Funeral Home followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. at Hudson Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Reverand Greg Long and Reverend Josh Woodall. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens.

The family will be at the home of her daughter, Vivian Harris, 919 Glenco Road, Durham.

Flowers are acceptable or donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at the link below.