Sara was born on November 27, 1923 to Ivan and Walla (Strickland) Whitcomb. Betty, as was known to most, touched the lives of so many people in her 98 years. She was deeply loved by her family and friends. Even if you only had a brief encounter with her, her sweet spirit was unforgettable.
When the United States entered WWII she was a young woman living in Charlotte, North Carolina. She signed up immediately for the Women’s Air Corps (WAC) to serve and defend her country. After training to be a nurse, Betty was sent overseas and served just short of 7 years in the Army at bases in Germany and Spain. While stationed in Germany, she met the love of her life, Bill Young and they were married at Bremerhaven Military Base in 1945. Later, they returned to Germany to adopt two beautiful children, Linda and Joe. After leaving the military, she continued making sacrifices for her country as a military wife. They lived all over the United States on various military bases. She raised two children alone while her husband did tours in Vietnam and Korea each lasting a year and while he was gone weeks and months at a time for other TDY (Temporary Dudy Station) assignments. They transferred to Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, LA in 1972 where Bill later retired and they raised their family. After her husband’s retirement, she and Bill continued to travel, spending time with family in North Carolina and Iowa.
In honor of her service to our country, Betty was entered into the Military Women’s Memorial when it was built in 1997, located at the gateway to the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County. VA., an honor she was very proud of. She loved her great country and we thank her for her service and sacrifice.
Her hobbies included taking care of the birds in her backyard, always cooking for loved ones, caring for her grandchildren, gardening, reading her Bible and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. If she had your address, you could count on receiving a card chosen especially for you on your birthday, Christmas and other special occasions. Cards were important to her and were a gesture of her love to let you know you are special and thought about on that day. Those cards will be missed by so many. Together, she and Bill loved spending time with their children; Joe and Linda and grandchildren; Jessica, Joey, Sawyer and Mackenzie. Family was the most important to her. She would always say "Making memories!" and we are thankful to have so many now to cherish. Betty will be remembered most for her love of God and her family and also for her compassion and unconditional love for us all. She was so much stronger than she ever gave herself credit for. She always put everyone else's needs first before her own.
We can hear her now... “God loves every one of you, he is merciful. Please do not be sad because this too shall pass. I am rejoicing with The Lord!"
She was preceded in death by her husband, William "Bill" Young and her parents, Ivan and Walla.
Mrs. Young is survived by daughter, Linda White; son, Joe Young and wife Crystal; grandchildren, Jessica Machen and husband Jonathan, Joey Young and Brittany, Sawyer White, Mackenzie Young; great grandchildren, Lincoln and Stevie Rae Machen, Josie Rae, Ophelia and Waylon Young; cousin, Margaret Greer of Charlotte, NC; and several nieces, nephews, extended family and loved ones. She also leaves behind her furry chihuahua companion, Ace, whom she spoiled and loved with all her heart. He was her little guard dog, squirrel spotter, tv watching companion and her bed time buddy. We will continue to love him and spoil him until the day when they are reunited again.
Services will be held to celebrate the life of Sara Elizabeth "Betty" Young at 10:00 a.m. on March 12, 2022 at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel with Justin Haigler officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Hill Crest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time.
Pallbearers will be Joey Young, Sawyer White, Samuel Chappell, Gerald Martin, Jonathan Machen and Jon Grant. Honorary pallbearers are Tony Mays, Scott Kimsey, Randy Watson, Matt Ford and Brandon Knight.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Northwest Louisiana War Veteran's Home and Regional Hospice for the comfort and care they provided.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org
