Lydia Amber Parrish

Lydia Amber Austin Parrish
BIRTH
19 Feb 1872
USA
DEATH
30 Mar 1953 (aged 81)
Glynn County, Georgia, USA
BURIAL
Oglethorpe Memorial Gardens
Saint Simons Island, Glynn County, Georgia, USA
MEMORIAL ID
41619684 · View Source
MEMORIAL
PHOTOS 0
FLOWERS 3
MOTHER to four children
(1) SON - Dillwyn Parrish
(2) SON - Maxfield Parrish, Jr.
(3) SON - Stephen Parrish
(4)DAUGHTER - Jean Parrish

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Lydia and her husband had an odd relationship. She lived in the family home (The Oaks) while he lived a few hundred yards away in his studio with a young woman (Sue Lewin) who served as his muse, model, art assistant and 'possible' mistress.

As the years passed, Lydia did extensive traveling and eventually bought herself a second-home near Bloody Marsh on St. Simon's Island. While there, she became devoted to preserving the songs and music of the black inhabitants of the region. She hosted many 'plantation sings' at her home. Lydia authored a book in 1942 - "SLAVE SONGS OF THE GEORGIA SEA ISLAND." (The book was re-published in 1992 by
the University of Georgia Press.)

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Lydia and Maxfield were married 58 yrs. Their marriage remained intact - and yet it may have been in 'name' alone; (and perhaps it is NO ONE'S BUSINESS!) She died alone at her Georgia cottage, passing away due to complications from cancer.

Family Members
Spouse

Maxfield Parrish
1870–1966 (m. 1902)

Children

John Dillwyn Parrish
1904–1969

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41619684/lydia-amber-parrish