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 was a pioneering aviator and a Women's Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) during WWII, courageously serving as an engineering test pilot for demanding aircraft like the B-26 Marauder.
After the war, she dedicated her later life to preserving the legacy of the WASP, co-founding the National WASP WWII Museum and tirelessly campaigning for their recognition.
She was instrumental in the successful lobbying effort to award the WASP the Congressional Gold Medal in 2010, which she received on their behalf, among other honors for her service and advocacy.

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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.