I will miss Billie as a friend, co-worker and partner. Billie and I worked for the Cedar Rapids Public Schools for years. She was always willing to be on a committee or to try something different, and so helpful in helping others. We didn't get to know her family because we were so busy with our own. My son Tom did get to meet Geoff at Camp Wapsie Y and we would visit about that connection. And we had a short visit at my home not too long ago and Billie was just as full of ideas as she always was. I am going to miss her - Cedar Rapids had a great teacher when they had Billie Parr. Sending our prayers to her family.
Marion Hazelton
September 6, 2017
Even after she retired, Billie continued her legacy as a teacher! I met her in 1994, through the Christian Writers Critique Group she helped facilitate. Over the years, I have treasured her friendship and appreciated her love for our Lord, her encouragement and her gifts as a writer/teacher/editor. We will miss her.
Geoff and family: our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Patricia Hill
September 5, 2017
Mrs. Parr was my 2nd grade teacher at Noelridge. She was a true gem. I used to bike over to her house during the summer. I don't remember if she invited me over or how in the heck I figured out where she lived. I probably came over far too many times for her liking but she never led on that I was a nuisance. My Mom relayed a story to me today about an incident that had occurred with my brother (who also had Mrs. Parr as a teacher at Noelridge). Apparently, some neighborhood kids were threatening my brother when he would walk home from school, and all it took was one call to Mrs. Parr, and it never happened again. What an outstanding teacher she was to all of us lucky to have her.
Linda (Schilling) Skvor
September 4, 2017
Billie was a wonderful person! I knew her has a vibrant DKG member who was always willing to support new teachers and our community.
Michelle Anderson
September 4, 2017
Mrs. Paar ( as I thought of her) was my 1st grade teacher at Noelridge. I remember that she would let me stay in to paint during recess. She taught us to walk toe- heel, toe-heel on a line and she taught us a Valentines Day song that said to write " I love you" on each valentine, which I took literally , and
later regretted! Many years later I toured her home because it had been used in the Underground Railroad. Years after that she and her husband generously supported my work in a Thai refugee camp. Just a few years ago, the two of us met for lunch and talked about so many things for three hours!! She was so sweet and loved the Lord! I know she's in heaven with Him now!
Joni Ellis
September 4, 2017
Cont'd: Billie was the embodiment of a true,noble,right,pure,lovely and admirable Friend. She was always there fore us. For 66 years we were blessed with this special lady. Our blessings to you Jeff and your family as your mom left this earthly body to be with Jesus. Love, hugs, & Prayers
Jan & Burle
Jan & Burle
September 4, 2017
Success is: Looking back and your memories make you smile. From the early day trips, we'd stop for a bite to eat and with the strum of the uke harmonize old tunes for the entertainment or maybe amusement of others, the cross country trips to California and
Texas, the quiet wonderful gatherings on 34th st, and on. Only a thick book could accommodate all the happy memories.
Jan & Burle
September 4, 2017
She was my favorite teacher in grade school. I
Always remember her being very nice and very pretty. My sympathy to you and your family.
Kathy O'Connell
September 4, 2017
Sympathies to those who knew her best and may memories surround you over the days ahead. I had Mrs Parr as my 1st grade teacher at Noelridge (in the mid-late 60's) and later nursing school I would run into her frequently in the hospital cafeteria. I always loved her spunk! May she now Rest In Heavenly Peace.
Mary Protsman Odegaard
September 4, 2017
My 2nd grade teacher back in 1971. I recall I wasn't the easiest student but she cared non the less. May she RIP
Mike McElmeel
September 3, 2017
Geoff, Katie & Colin and family I'm so sorry for your loss. My sympathy to you all in this hard time.
Penny (Parr) Townsend
September 3, 2017
We met Billie a short 4 years ago. She was a delightful lady, sharp as a tack. Sometimes we compared notes after watching Jeopardy. I will miss our talks. Really sad Billie died. Our sympathy to her family. Gerda and Bob De Camp
Gerda and Bob De Camp
September 3, 2017
:Geoff and Family: Our deepest sympathy to you all in the passing of your Mom. We all loved her very much. She was a long time member of the CVBC community. She was always in attendance. We will miss her very much. Her smiling face and warm greeting, we looked forward to every Sunday. God comfort you in your grief.
Love in Christ to you all---Bob and Lavonne Landis
Robert and Lavonne Landis
September 3, 2017