Gina L. Parrish Matlock

Gina Parrish Matlock, age 51 of Paris, Tennessee, peacefully passed away at her home Friday evening, September 20, 2024. Born to Paul and Freda Parrish on May 26, 1973. Gina lived a life filled with purpose, compassion, and unwavering faith.

Gina received her Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University with a major in Family & Consumer Science: Child Development and Family Studies and a minor in Psychology. She was an accomplished and enthusiastic professional with 21 years of experience within the TCAT system and 5+ years in the community healthcare sector at Henry County Medical Center as Medical Student Coordinator. She loved her time in early childhood development and program curriculum development. She was a champion for community health, creating video campaigns, social media campaigns, and community events to promote mental health, cancer support, and women’s and men’s health.

Gina had a passion for young people to know the Lord and served on the Henry County YoungLife board, partnering with the leaders to introduce young people to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith. Gina exemplified the values of kindness, generosity, and service to others. Whether in times of joy or sorrow, Gina remained steadfast in her belief that God’s love and grace would see her through. She was a beacon of light, sharing words of wisdom and offering prayers to those in need, always reminding others to trust in God's plan.

Gina is survived by her loving husband, Neil Matlock; her two sons, Sam and Jake Gearin; her daughter, Sadie Matlock; one brother, Kenny (Lisa) Parrish of Scotts Hill, TN; three nephews and a niece, Jonathan, Dillon, Peyton, and Eliza; mother-in-law, Carol Matlock of Paris, TN; father-in-law, Greg Matlock of Camden, TN; brother-in-law, James Matlock (Kristy) of Camden, TN; and nieces, Autumn, Audrey, and Arie May. 

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Paul and Freda Parrish, and her brother, Jeff Parrish.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funereal Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, TN. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Ridgeway Funeral Home from 4 – 8 pm. Visitation will continue on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Tennessee Valley Community Church, 2500 E. Wood St, Paris, TN from 10 am – 12 pm. A service to celebrate Gina’s life will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 12:00 pm at Tennessee Valley Community Church, 2500 E. Wood St, Paris, TN with Steve Gallimore officiating. 

Pallbearers will be Dillon Parrish, Peyton Parrish, James Matlock, Alan Wheatley, Devan Raymer, and Blake Cossey. 

Burial will follow at 3:30 pm Thursday at Pleasant Hill Church Cemetery in Bath Springs, TN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to YoungLife Henry County at http://nwtnyounglife.org/give