Mary Elizabeth Parson

Mary Elizabeth “Bunny” Parson, 92, formerly of Chambersburg, PA passed away Friday, December 5, 2025, at The Williamsport Home, Williamsport, PA. Born February 21, 1933 in Shade Gap, PA she was the daughter of the late James Nicholas and Mary Jane Roddy Metzler. Her beloved husband of 68 years, Johnny Deems “John” Parson, whom she married on October 23, 1954, preceded her in death on April 12, 2023.

Bunny was a 1950 graduate of Orbisonia High School in Orbisonia, PA. She later graduated from Thompson Institute, York, PA in 1951, receiving a scholarship for continuing education. She was employed as a confidential stenographer for Bell Telephone Company, Philadelphia, PA; Valley Bank and Trust Company, Chambersburg, PA; and United Telephone Company of Pennsylvania. Bunny was also an Avon Representative while in Flemington, NJ and Longaberger Basket Consultant and branch advisor for 18 years. She organized her high school class reunions for fourteen years but the thing she loved best was spending time with her husband, her family members and being with friends.

She loved life and the joy that comes from living a Christian life. Bunny and her late husband, John, were faithful members of First United Methodist Church, Chambersburg. Together they led several Sunday School Classes. She was a past member of the Chancel Choir and Bell Choir and also founded and directed the Young Believers Choir and the Merry Methodist Choir. The latter choir was for older adults, presenting programs in various churches, nursing homes, and community organizations.

Bunny was active in various aspects of the communities where she lived throughout her lifetime. She led Girl Scouts and Brownies when her daughters were young. She was an active member of the Bosler Library Fund Raiser, Carlisle, PA; member of the Chambersburg Hospital Auxiliary, and CASHS Band Parents, AARP Chorus 2840, and Keystone Garden State Chapter of the Independent Telephone Pioneers. Bunny also volunteered at Menno Haven and Providence Place playing piano, as well as creating and giving music performances for the residents. 

She is survived by three daughters, Sharon (Keith) Atherholt of Montoursville, Deborah (Brett Koontz) Scalia of Chambersburg, and Donna (Troy) Knott of York; five loving grandchildren, Nicolesha (Shawn) Monahan, Lauren (Chad) Piersol, Anna Marie Scalia, Christian (Blair) Atherholt, and Alesia (Mike) Duffee; and eight precious great grandchildren: Sawyer, Jonathan, Waylon, Callen, Liliana, Beau, Charlie, Jewels; and several dear nieces and nephews. Aside from her husband and parents, Bunny was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Duane Metzler and James Melvin Metzler.

Funeral services will be held at 10:45 AM on Saturday, December 13, 2025, in the chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA 17202. Bunny’s sons-in-law, Keith Atherholt and Troy Knott will officiate. A private graveside service will follow at Norland Cemetery with Rev. Mark Terwilliger officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 10:45 AM prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to The Williamsport Home, MEMO: Dementia Dept., 1900 Ravine Rd, Williamsport, PA 17701. Condolences and memories may be shared at geiselfuneralhome.com.