Orlando Wayne Parham

Orlando “Wayne” Parham, son of the late Rossie Lee and Jonas Parham, was born September 2, 1958 in Mound Bayou, MS.  At an early age, he accepted Christ as his personal savior and joined West SpringHill Missionary Baptist Church in Oxford, MS, where he served as the minister of music, most of his life. He also served and shared his musical talent with surrounding churches in the community.

For several years, he taught music at Holy Family School in Holly Springs, MS. He was also employed by the University of Mississippi. 

Wayne received his formal education in the Oxford School District and graduated from Oxford High School, class of 1976. He also pursued higher education at Northwest Community College and the University of Mississippi, where he was on the drum line in the Ole Miss Marching Band. 

Wayne was united in holy matrimony to Jennett Gilliom for 43 years. He truly loved spending time with his family and friends. They will forever cherish his memory. He enjoyed playing a variety of musical instruments, songwriting, and yard work. He was a faithful member of the Soul Band and 2GK, which both was inspired from love of Jazz and soul music. 

Wayne departed his life on Friday, April 25, 2025, at his home in Oxford, MS. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife: Jennett; daughter: Latoya Stewart (Sedrick) of Charleston, SC; his sons: Monte’ Parham (Lashuna) of Allen, TX and Dwayne Parham of Oxford, MS; sisters: Ethel Johnson (Charles) of Oxford, MS, Joann Lewis and Gail Parham both of Southfield, MI, Rosalyn Brunt (Melvin) of Sardis, MS, Deborah Malone (Leroy) of Clarkston, GA, and Jennifer Young (Dann) of Watauga, TX; brothers: Randolph Parham (Carolyn) of Clarksdale, MS, Vincent (Tonya) of Suffolk, VA, Byron (Jamie) of Williamsburg, VA, and Dazerick (Vanessa) of Grand Prairie, TX; Sisters in-law: Alice Adams (Joshua) of Oxford, MS and Illean Driver of Dallas, TX; Brothers in-laws: John Gilliom (Rae) of Dallas, TX and Archie Gilliom (Delores) of Jackson, MS; Six grandchildren: Ian, Kingston, Kari, Brooklyn, Novah and Maurice; a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. 

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents: Rossie Lee and Jonas Parham and brother: Adolph Parham.