Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Suffolk Public Schools took time to honor the life of a community education staple. Parris D. Carson, who served as Assistant Superintendent for Suffolk Public Schools, was honored with a resolution for his life’s work during the Thursday, Nov. 9 school board meeting. Carson died on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at 81. Before becoming Assistant Superintendent, Carson served as an educator for Suffolk Public Schools, Portsmouth Public Schools, Isle of Wight County Public Schools and beyond. 

Carson served as a Science Teacher with East Suffolk High School from 1964 through 1965, John F. Kennedy High School from 1965 through 1969, and Churchland Jr. High School and Manor High School from 1969 through 1979. Carson also became the first African American Principal at the newly-constructed Smithfield High School from 1979 through 1988. Likewise, he served as principal at JFK High School from 1988 through 1990 and as the first principal for the newly constructed Nansemond River High School from 1990 through 1991. Carson served as SPS Assistant Superintendent from 1991 through 1997. Along with graduating from East Suffolk High School, Carson was an alumnus of Elizabeth City State University, Virginia State University, and the University of Virginia. Carson was also a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

During the meeting, School Board Clerk Tarshia Gardener read Resolution 23/24-17.

“And whereas following his retirement from Suffolk Public Schools, Parris could be found on the golf course in rain, sleet, or snow throughout the year. And whereas Parris was married to Winnie Sears Carson for 56 years. Whereas by his stellar career in public education and his involvement in civic and recreational activities in the City of Suffolk and beyond, Parris touched the lives of countless individuals who will be forever indebted to him for his words of encouragement and unfailing devotion that allowed them to reach their fullest potential,” read Gardner. “Be it therefore resolved that the School Board for the City of Suffolk, Virginia honors the life of Parris D. Carson for his faithful commitment and dedication in enriching the lives of children in the City of Suffolk, Virginia and beyond.”