Mrs. Elizabeth (Jones) Parilla was born to Mr. and Mrs. James Andrew Jones and grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood around Scotland and Henry Streets. Her family later moved to Braxton Court.

Mrs. Parilla's family lineage runs deep in the Williamsburg area, and her family has been involved in the Historic First Baptist Church for generations. Her father, James Andrew Jones was a deacon and the chairman of the Deacon Board and was responsible for negotiating with Colonial Williamsburg to relocate the First Baptist Church to Scotland Street in the 1950s. Mrs. Parilla carried on this legacy, serving as chairman of the Missionary Society for many years. Her descendants, such as granddaughter Rev. Dr. Julie Grace, have continued this service to the church.

In the oral history below, Mrs. Parilla provides a vivid picture of Williamsburg in the early 20th century when Black homes and businesses could be found on Duke of Gloucester Street and the surrounding area. She reflects on the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg that displaced these residents and intensified residential segregation in Williamsburg.