Naomi B. (Parish) Batis

Naomi Parish Batis, age 98, died peacefully with family by her side on Sunday, 15 January 2023.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, 18 January 2023, at 2:00 P.M., at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur, Texas.  Services will be led by Charles Burchett, Pastor of First Baptist Church in Kirbyville, Texas; and Dr. David Lowrie, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Decatur, Texas.  Friends will be graciously received by family one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be at Sanger Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside beloved husband Joe.

Naomi was born in Decatur, Texas, the youngest of 12 children, to Jesse Daniel Parish and Katherine New Parish.  Her parents purchased and successfully farmed 183 acres in Decatur and remained active in the community until the time of their death.  Naomi’s parents demonstrated and instilled within her strong character, resilience and devotion to family.

Decatur was home for Naomi throughout most of her life.  She was a proud graduate of Decatur High School, where she excelled academically and in band as a snare drummer.  Having lived and worked in other locations during her life, she eagerly returned home to Decatur in her later years and continued to exhibit joy for life and love of family.  Her employment included Deputy County Clerk for Wise County Clerk’s office in Decatur, Texas, and the Walker County Clerk’s office and Department of Human Services in Huntsville, Texas.  First and foremost, Naomi fulfilled her life’s calling as a deeply devoted and beloved mother to her three children: Beverly, Mike and Kim.  Naomi was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Decatur.

Naomi is preceded in death by both parents; husband Joe Batis of Sanger, Texas; and 11 brothers and sisters.

Naomi is survived by daughter, Beverly Burchett and husband Charles of Kirbyville, Texas; son, Mike Batis and wife JoAnn of Tyler, Texas; daughter, Kim Phillips and her husband Jack Dean of Denton, Texas; grandson, Hunter Burchett; granddaughter, Karis Watson and husband Jesse; granddaughter Julia Fowler and husband James; and seven great-grandchildren including, Jonathan, David, James, Paul, Wesley, Kate and Major.  Naomi is also survived by beloved nieces and nephews.