Brian Parham

Mr. Brian Parham, affectionately known as Papa Brian and Uncle Brian, made his transition from this life on July 10, 2022. Born February 13, 1960, Brian was the youngest son of Gladys and John T. Parham Sr. who both preceded him in death.

Brian was born and resided in Saginaw Michigan. He was baptized at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church at a young age. He graduated from Chesaning High School, Class of 1978. Brian had many jobs over his lifetime. Brian worked at General Motors, KFC, Stephenson Roofing, and National Roofing, retiring a year ago.

Brian enjoyed fishing, working on cars, and spending time with family and friends. He was a wonderful grandfather and stepfather. He leaves many memories with his stepson, Virun, from being taught all about being a man, fixing cars, and fishing, to name a few.  Brian had a special bond with his niece, Jackie Parham, who was more like a daughter. I guess you can say she was his favorite niece. He was the favorite uncle for many of his nieces and nephews. Brian was especially fond of Lenelope, Wesley and Ta’shun. He really enjoyed having the kids over. They pretty much ran him. Lenelope always knew who to run to when she was in trouble, Uncle Brian.  He loved taking these three fishing, feeding the chickens, and taking care of the other animals at JT’s house. Brian always had a fishing pole hidden in his car or truck just in case he saw a nice fishing hole to stop at.  

Brian leaves to cherish precious memories his lovely wife of 38 years, Karen Parham (married on August 28,1990); stepdaughters, Sonya (Ken) Dailey, Muskegon, Michigan, and former daughter-in-law, Emily Gordnier, South Carolina; stepson, Virun (Kristie) Kitchen, Kalamazoo, Michigan; ten grandchildren: Asha and Tavion Kitchen, Kalamazoo, Michigan, Ava Bordeau, Bristol, Indiana, Kyleigh Ferguson, Kalamazoo, Michigan, Elianas, Rieker, and Sienna Kitchen, Kalamazoo, Michigan, Justin Dailey, Detroit,  Michigan, Nicholas Dailey, Kentwood, Michigan, and Jazmine Dailey, Muskegon, Michigan; ten sisters: Ruth (Edward) Harrison, Montrose, Michigan, Jessie (Sturlin) Parham, Brenda Haywood, Cynthia Daison, Lillie Annie Parham-Morris, and Mary Parham, all of Saginaw, Michigan, Clara (Barron) Woods, Dorothy King, Beneice King, and Marie Porter, all of Flint, Michigan; seven brothers: Gregory Parham and Stanley Grant, of Saginaw, Michigan, Tommy King, James (Bernice) King, Robert (Lawanda) King, Nathan King, and Jimmy Hall, all of Flint, Michigan; two sisters-in-law: Carolyn Kitchen, Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Debra (Ollen Sr.) Drones, Muskegon, Michigan.

We would also like to recognize Brian’s special friends and family. Robert Parham, Sr. worked with his uncle for twenty years or more. These two already had a special bond but being together every day really made them best friends and confidante. Brian shared a friendship with Gerald Ciggzrees for forty years. David Parham, Otha “O” Jones, and Archie Hays, Jr. were his true friends through thick and thin. Brian will be greatly missed by family and friends. 

Brian was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Gladys, and his awesome dad, John T. Parham Sr; brother, John T. Parham Jr; stepsister Blondean Ayers; grandparents, John and Lillie Parham, Herman and Pearl Mount.