Nayana Azad Parikh

Nayana Azad Parikh – 72, of Moultrie, Georgia, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, May 9, 2025, at her residence. She was born on February 26, 1953, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, to the late Umedlal and Jamanaben Kothari. She was the owner of The Moultrie Inn in Moultrie, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her husband, Azad “Sam” Parikh; her parents; and two brothers, Nareendra and Pankaj Kothari. Nayana’s peaceful passing marked the end of a beautiful life—but her legacy as a loving mother and wife, gym enthusiast, and someone known for her smile, energy, good vibes, and deep love for family will always be remembered. Affectionately known in the Moultrie community as “Mom” or “Mrs. Naina,” she left a legacy that will be cherished for generations. She married her husband, Azad, in 1982 after meeting him through his sister during a trip he made back to India. Not long after, she immigrated to the United States, leaving behind the familiar to pursue a new life alongside the man she loved. In 1985, Nayana and Azad planted roots in Moultrie, Georgia, where they raised their two sons and built the foundation of the Parikh family’s American Dream. Together, they acquired the Town Terrace Motel and later went on to operate The Moultrie Inn. For the next 40 years, she provided the strength and support that allowed her husband and sons to continue growing and carrying forward the Parikh legacy. She was loving, caring, and always there for her family. Nayana was a business owner and the rock of the Parikh family in South Georgia. After the passing of her beloved husband, she showed incredible strength and grit as she stepped up to lead their hotel and other business ventures. Those who met her would never forget her infectious smile—it became her signature, known by family, friends, colleagues, and employees alike. Hotel patrons always remembered her generosity and the empathy she showed during difficult times. She was always willing to help, offering different options and doing whatever she could to make things easier for others. She loved her Moultrie. Even when her sons left for school or work, she never wanted to leave. Moultrie wasn’t just a place of business—it was home. The countryside, the quiet, and the peaceful atmosphere gave her a deep sense of comfort and tranquility. She had many interests. She enjoyed watching shows like Dance India Dance and Indian Idol, listening to Bollywood music, dancing, reading about fitness, working out, practicing yoga, and prioritizing her health. She loved traveling and spending time with family and friends. In the last five years, fitness became her passion—sparked by her first Apple Watch in 2020. She made it a goal to go to the gym regularly and always “finish her rings.” She would proudly say, “Amar, Nikul, look at all the awards I got from Apple!” Later, she discovered YouTube and spent hours learning new fitness routines and exercises. A proud member of the Moultrie YMCA for over 40 years, she especially cherished workouts and travel adventures with her sons. One of her favorite memories was experiencing the World Cup with them and going on a dune buggy adventure—she was always down for the vibes. Recently, she returned to India to visit her brother and family and pray at the Shrinathji Temple. Her faith was central to her life. A devout Hindu, she regularly attended temple services, including weekly visits to the Mahadev Temple in Moultrie, and was a lifelong member of the Shree Shakti Mandir Temple in Jonesboro, Georgia. As an immigrant who came to the United States after marrying Azad, Nayana bravely left everything behind to support him—uncertain, but trusting in her path. In time, she found joy and fulfillment, fully embracing the American Dream while discovering new hobbies, passions, and a deep sense of belonging. She became a naturalized U.S. citizen and took civic duties seriously—always proudly wearing her "I Voted" sticker after elections. Nayana Parikh was, without a doubt, a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud family woman who embraced the blend of cultures that shaped her journey and always looked for ways to give back to her community. She embodied strong work ethic and family values, which she passed on to her sons. Nayana was known for her impeccable style. You never saw her without her makeup done, hair done, and a coordinated outfit. She loved her Nikes and had them ready for any outing. She wouldn’t leave the house—or even let anyone see her—unless she was fully put together. Above all, she deeply loved her husband, Azad. She was devoted to him and supported his health and well-being throughout their life together. She also adored her two sons, Amar and Nikul. She made sure they had breakfast every morning, answered their phone calls at all hours, and always sent them off with hot vegetarian meals while they were in school—meals their father lovingly delivered. She ensured they had a strong education, good health, and the values that would allow them to carry on the “Parikh Legacy.” Recently, she had the joy of seeing Amar win several awards with the T-Mobile Business Group and watching Nikul receive his white coat at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG). Even after her husband’s passing, she remained strong and proud, witnessing Amar thrive in corporate leadership and Nikul begin his journey to becoming a doctor. These moments brought her immense joy and peace, knowing her sons were continuing the legacy she and Azad began.
As we remember the life of our MOM—Nayana Parikh—let us hold close her business savvy, her superwoman spirit, her style, smile, bubbly energy, caring heart, and above all, her love for her family. She was such a “Cutie Pie.” Om Shanti. Survivors include: Two Loving and Beloved Sons: Nikul Parikh of Augusta, Georgia, and Amar Parikh of Atlanta, Georgia. One Brother: Hemant Kothari of Mumbai, India. Many nieces, nephews, and special individuals who held a loving place in her heart. Services will be held Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Music Funeral Services – Valdosta. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:15 p.m. Messages of sympathy may be expressed online at www.musicfuneralservices.com . A live stream will be available on the Music Funeral Services Facebook page ( http://m.facebook.com/musicfuneralservices ). The Parikh family is being served by the caring and compassionate staff of Music Funeral Services – Valdosta.