Jewell Parrilla

Jewell first saw the light of day in Puerto Cabezas, a coastal town in Nicaragua, Central America.
Her parents were Sullivan and Juanita Merren Parrilla. Two younger sisters, Lenoa and Verle
completed the Parrilla family circle.
Under the tutelage of her mother, a church school teacher, Jewell completed elementary school
and the first three years of high school in her home town. She transferred to Colegio Vocational
in Alajuela, Costa Rica where she graduated from high school. It was then on to La Sierra College
where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology.
Growing up in Puerto Cabezas, Jewell saw the dire medical needs in the town and surrounding
Indian villages. This sparked a dream to study medicine so that she could return to her homeland
and serve. Her parents encouraged and supported this dream. Jewell graduated with a medical
degree from the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, followed by a residency in Internal
Medicine at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Sepulveda, California. The Infectious Disease
specialty fascinated Jewell as she was challenged to solve its puzzles. Consequently, she went
on to complete a fellowship in Infectious Disease at UCLA.
Jewell’s dream of returning to practice medicine in her homeland was shattered by the Sandinista
revolution in Nicaragua. However, when one door closed, another opened. She joined the White
Memorial Medical Center, where she served as an attending physician for over 40 years, In
addition, she served as an adjunct assistant professor of UCLA at Olive View Hospital, and
Infectious Disease consultant for many local community hospitals.
Jewell was gifted with many talents. She wrote two books. King of the Storm, was a history of the
start of the Adventist church in the Inter-American Division. Prayers, Tears, Sacrifice: The White
Memorial’s Story, chronicled the history and mission of the White Memorial Medical Center. She
also wrote several vegan cookbooks. Very active in the community, she organized numerous health
fairs, inspired women in local churches to make baby blankets to give to needy mothers in the
hospital’s maternity unit, and spearheaded the drive to preserve the historic White Memorial Church
in its beautiful edifice.
Jewell will best be remembered for her passionate concern for her patients, her deep love for
family and colleagues, and her unabashed faith in her best Friend, Jesus Christ. Her greatest joy
was to engage in conversation with colleagues, patients, friends, family —anyone— to share the
good news of the One Who conquered death, and promises an eternal future when He returns to
take His children to their heavenly home.
Jewell leaves to cherish her memory, her siblings, Lenoa (Hedrick), Verle, and Rose Mary; nieces
and nephews, Sherry, Neal (Heather), Danya, Manja, and Errol (Bonnie); grandnephews and
grandnieces, Lucas, Maxim, Isla, Ava, and Aiden; many special cousins and dear friends. Rest
In peace, Jewell, until the One in whom you put your trust awakens you on that eternal morning.
Then you’ll shine forevermore as a jewel in His crown.