Obituary: Carla Gregory Parsons
Carla Gregory Parsons, 75, Long‑Time Educator and Community Leader, Passes Away
Bowdoin, Maine – The Maine community lost a beloved teacher, pastor, and family matriarch on Friday, August 28, 2026, when Carla Gregory Parsons, 75, died surrounded by loved ones. Her life, marked by dedication to education, faith, and family, spanned more than seven decades of service across the state.
Parsons was born in Sanford, Maine, on February 21, 1951, to parents Carlson Alonzo and Josephine Lancaster Gregory. She grew up in a household that valued faith and learning, accepting the Lord at age twelve and being baptized that same year. After completing high school at Sanford in 1969, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Math from the University of Southern Maine in 1973.
In 1973, Parsons moved to Brunswick, where she married Ernest “Ernie” L. Parsons. The couple shared a deep spiritual partnership, serving as pastors at Family Christian Fellowship—now Stauron Ministries—after both were ordained in 1996. Their marriage was also a source of joy and companionship, marked by shared hobbies such as gardening, fishing, and a weekly “date night” that strengthened their bond.
For 43 years, Parsons taught elementary school across several Maine school districts, including MSAD 75, Lisbon, Durham, Brunswick, RSU 2, and RSU 4. Her dedication to young learners earned her the respect of colleagues and students alike. Outside the classroom, she enjoyed kayaking, boating, knitting, sewing, and an avid love of reading—often sharing stories and books with friends and family.
Parsons was a central figure in her family network. She is survived by a sister‑in‑law, Kathleen “Kay” Gregory, a niece, Lisa Gregory Wilson (married to Steve), and a nephew, Lorne Gregory. She also leaves behind six stepchildren—Ellen Croninger (husband Bill), Ernest L. Parsons (wife Joyce), Jane Marshall (husband Mark), Lynn Bubley (husband Glenn), Margaret Fletcher (husband Bill), and Prescott Parsons—along with 18 grandchildren and 18 great‑grandchildren. Her husband, parents Carl and Jo Gregory, and brother David Gregory predeceased her.
The Parsons family will hold a memorial service of celebration on Saturday, September 12, at Stauron Ministries in Topsham. Visiting hours at the Brackett Funeral Home in Brunswick will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 11. Family members invite friends and neighbors to leave messages of condolence or memories at the Brackett Funeral Home website.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations be made to either CHANS Home Health Care or the Bowdoin Fire Department.
Carla Gregory Parsons’ legacy of faith, education, and love will continue to inspire the communities she touched throughout her life.
