Legendary Aviator Deanie Parrish Dies at 99

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, March 02, 2022 at 06:05 PM ET

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Deanie Parrish speaks at the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony on March 10th, 2010. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

Deanie Bishop Parrish, a WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilot) veteran, passed away on February 24, 2023, at age 99.
She served as an engineering test pilot during WWII, notably flying the B-26 Marauder, and later advocated for the recognition of WASPs, culminating in the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal.
Post-war, she worked for the Air Force, earned a degree summa cum laude, and co-founded the National WASP WWII Museum with her daughter.
Parrish received numerous honors for her service and contributions to preserving the history of the WASPs.

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Deanie Bishop Parrish, Women’s Airforce Service Pilots class of 44-W-4 passed away in her home in Waco, Texas, on February 24, the day before her 100th birthday.

She was born Marie Odean Bishop on February 25, 1922, in Defuniak Springs, Florida. Known as Odean, she spent most of her childhood in Avon Park, Florida. In 1939, she graduated from Avon Park High School as valedictorian.