Bobbie Parris Hyder , a native of Madison County, was born on October 4, 1937, to the late GrantParris, Jr. and Gladys Nance Parris.  She grew up in the Harvest Community with her two sisters, Annie Cloyd and Willie Ester.  Bobbie answered her Lord on Monday, December 23, 2024, as she transitioned to her heavenly home. On August 19, 1967, she was united in marriage with Charles L. Hyder, Sr.

Bobbie confessed her belief in Christ in a revival at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church on August 29, 1949. As she grew in Christ through His teachings, Bobbie fully committed herself to His service. Her devotion to serving Him was evident as she worked tirelessly in her church, New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. She was actively involved in several capacities at the church as she organized the first Matron's Circle for Young Adult Women in 1972 and served as Director of the Christian Board of Education Ministry for ten years. Bobbie loved to attend Sunday School, teach, sing in the Sanctuary choir, and participate in the Senior Women's Ministry. Until her health failed, she served as Director of Evangelism and Outreach, where she was passionate about reaching others for Christ. As a servant of Christ, Bobbie was devoted to the Flint River Missionary Baptist Association as secretary for more than 25 years and advisor to the Flint River Youth Department. Her expertise and devotion to Christian education enabled her to faithfully serve as a member and secretary on the Board of Directors at Huntsville Bible College for 13 years.

Bobbie , as she is fondly known, attended the public schools of Madison County, and graduated from Alabama A&M University with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in elementary education. With an increased appetite for learning, Bobbie continued her formal education at George Peabody College, earning an Education Specialist degree in Early Childhood Education. She received certification in Supervision and Administration from Auburn University and did further studies at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama, and a study tour in Geneva, Switzerland. Bobbie was a teacher, supervisor, principal, and director. After beginning her teaching career in Meridian, Mississippi, she returned to Madison County in 1961 as an elementary teacher at the Indian Creek School. In 1965, Bobbie became Supervisor of Instruction for the Elementary and Title I programs for the Madison County School System. In 1987, she was named principal of the newly opened Moore's Mill Elementary School (formerly Farmer's Capital). In 1988, she became Director of Elementary Education for Madison County Schools, where she remained until her retirement in 1997. Bobbie had many accomplishments during her career. Those she was most proud of are: As a Teacher, she organized the first library at Indian Creek School in 1963. As a Principal, She served as the first principal of the newly opened K-2 Moore's Mill Elementary School, formerly Farmers Capital, in 1987. As a Supervisor, she organized the first pilot kindergarten program for Madison County Schools and assisted Madison County Schools in becoming the first rural school system in Alabama to be fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. As an Author, She became the Senior Author of Neighborhoods and Communities, a second-grade Social Studies textbook published by the Silver Burdett Publishing Company in 1982 and revised in 1986.

Bobbie was deeply committed to her church, dedicated to her profession, and actively involved in the community. She served as a member, officer, consultant, and chairperson for numerous professional, civic, and charitable organizations. Her contributions included roles in the following: the Elementary and Middle School Commission; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development; Alabama Performance-Based Accreditation System; North Alabama Reading Council President (1981-1983); District Director, North Alabama Reading Council (1981-1985); National, Alabama and Madison County Teacher Associations; National Association of Young Children; North Alabama Educators Credit Union; Leadership 2000; Partnership for Drug-Free Community; Stop Abuse and Neglect; Aide to United Way; Voter Registration Canvass; Rural Senior Services; NAACP of Madison County; Alabama A&M University (AAMU) Alumni Association; Regional Coordinator for "Close Up" Government Studies in Washington, D.C.; Steering Committee for Girl Scouts of North Alabama; Policy Council, Community Action Agency; Alabama Right to Read Advisory Council; and AAMU Council on Teacher Evaluation. Bobbie's many certificates, honors, awards, and plagues displayed in her home testify to her commitment to New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, her profession, the community, and her unselfish commitment to mankind. Her inner strength and confidence, bred by truthfulness, trustworthiness, and integrity, positioned her as a leader.

Bobbie had a remarkable gentleness, especially toward others.  She understood that kindness and friendliness were great human qualities. Helping others was one of her gifts from God. Bobbie found the greatest joy seeing others benefit from her help or advice. Bobbie loved people, children, her family, her church, and reaching out to others. She gave of herself untiringly, and no one was a stranger to her. Bobbie kept her family foremost in her thoughts, deeds, and giving. She emphasized family pride, family history, education, and Christian values.

Bobbie watered, fertilized, and exposed sunlight to those in her path. Throughout her 87 years on this earth, she made a profound impact on the lives of many. Her memories will be cherished, and her legacy will endure.

Bobbie leaves us to join her parents, Mr. Grant Parris, Jr and Gladys Parris, and sister Willie Ester Boone. Those left to cherish her love, legacy, and caring spirit are her husband Charles L. Hyder, Sr. of Harvest, Alabama; one sister, Annie C. Burwell of Harvest, Alabama; stepson Charles Hyder, Jr. (Debbie) Huntsville, Alabama; a host of nieces and nephews who she adored; many cousins, friends, and her beloved New Jerusalem Church family.

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Funeral service for Mrs. Bobbie Hyder will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Ricky Sykes officiating. Interment will follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens.

Mrs. Hyder will lie in repose at New Jerusalem one hour prior to funeral time.

Public viewing will be Friday, January 3, 2025 at Nelms Memorial Funeral Home until 8:00 P.M. Visitation with the family will be held on January 3, 2025 from 6:00-7:00 P.M. at the Nelms Memorial Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please make your contribution to the American Heart Association.

The funeral service will be live streamed via the Facebook and YouTube pages of the New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church.