Betty Wilrye Parker

Our wonderful mother, friend, and inspiration departed this life according to God's appointed time on February 5, 2014 in Houston, Texas, surrounded by her supportive family and friends. Throughout her life, she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of everyone who really knew her. Betty W. Parker, sixty-eight years old, was born in Westlake, Louisiana to the predeceased Curley and Alberta Wilrye. At an early age, Betty was baptized in Westlake, Louisiana at Good Hope Baptist Church where she was under the leadership of Rev. J. O. Simmons. She worked faithfully in the church until she moved her membership to Christian Baptist Church in Lake Charles under the leadership of Rev. Edward Alexander. Betty was a dedicated Christian woman, making God and His church a significant part of her and her family's way of life. Betty graduated from Mossville High School where she was a member of the basketball team. She also completed her education at Sowela Technical Institute. Because of her great sense of style, Betty was always admired for her fashionable taste and trendy outfits. She was known not only for her ability to cut and style hair, but to have her own chic, diva appeal. She loved all the latest fashions with a jazzy haircut to match. She took pride in taking an active role in her grandchildren's lives. She followed their countless activities, and she was their biggest cheerleader. She was an avid New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Lakers fan. Known as an exemplary mother, doting grandmother, and generous family member and friend. Betty loved spending time with and blessing them with her delicious cooking and baking. She cooked every Sunday for her children and their spouses, grandchildren, and anyone else who stopped to visit. During her employment years, she was employed by Sunlight Manor, Boeing and PPG Industries and retired in the accounting department with Louisiana Pigment Company. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; son, Marvin Parker Sr.; brothers, Alvin Wilrye and Albert Wilrye; brothers in law, Carlton Wayne Sutton, Clarence Pryor, Gary Goodly, and Donnie Jackson; sister in law, Caroline Wilrye. She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband Curtis Parker Sr. of Lake Charles; four devoted daughters, Cheryl Parker, Tracie (Dominique) Blanchette, Karen Parker, and Joy Parker all of Lake Charles; one faithful son, Curtis (Sharonda) Parker Jr. of Iowa; son in law, Earl Parker of Lake Charles; brothers, Robert (Delores) Wilrye of Westlake and Larry Wilrye of Denver, CO; sisters, Iva (Preston) Washington, Joann (Freddie) Coleman and Carolyn Goodly all of Lake Charles, Ova Jackson, Willie Pryor, and Patricia Sutton all of Westlake and Catherine (Stanley) Parsons of Iowa; grandchildren, Marquita Parker-Gauthier, Marvin Parker Jr., Marcus Parker, Chad Parker, Madison Blanchette, Erik Parker, Jacory Parker, Colby Parker, Keelan Parker and Corey Parker all of Lake Charles and Kennedy Parker of Katy, TX; great grandchild, Demi Gauthier of Lake Charles; aunt, Evelyn Shelton of Lake Charles; cousin, Joyce Malvo of Westlake and special friend, Tasheena Celestine of Houston, TX.; sisters in law, brothers in law and unfortunately too many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews to list. Her service will be at 12-Noon on Thursday, February 13, 2014 at Christian Baptist Church, 202 N. Franklin Street. Rev. Edward Alexander will officiate. Burial will be in Perkins Cemetery in Westlake, Louisiana under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday 9AM-Noon at the church.