Betty Lee Skinner

Betty Lee Skinner, 93, a resident of Colorado Springs since 1954, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the evening of August 21, 2013. Betty had resided at the Springs Village Care Center for the past nine months.

Betty was born on February 10, 1920, in Champaign, Illinois, to Bessie (McDaniel) Skinner and Roy Skinner. At about age eight, Betty moved with her family to Kiln, Mississippi where she attended school and graduated valedictorian from Kiln Vocational High School. As valedictorian, Betty was awarded a scholarship to Chillicothe Business College in Chillicothe, Missouri. Following her schooling in the Business College, Betty worked as a secretary in New Orleans.

Betty met the founder of The Navigators, Dawson Trotman, when he was speaking in New Orleans and Dawson invited Betty to join The Navigators ministry. Betty moved to California and began working with The Navigators on September 20, 1945. During her nearly 60 years of service with this ministry, Betty helped develop Bible studies and Scripture memory materials, edited The Navigators Log, and helped with many other writing projects. Betty authored two books: Daws, a biography of Navigator founder Dawson Trotman, and With Integrity of Heart and Skillful Hand, insights from the life and ministry of Lorne Sanny, second president of The Navigators. As a gifted writer, Betty served as communications assistant to the first three presidents of the organization: Dawson Trotman, Lorne Sanny, and Jerry White.

Betty was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs. Even after it became difficult for her to walk, Betty made it a priority to attend services. Betty loved the Word of God. She read the Bible, memorized hundreds of Bible passages, and loved to tell others about Jesus.

For many years Betty was a member of the Evangelical Press Association and was well known for her book Daws. In 2007, Betty was selected to be a lifetime honorary member of the association.

Betty loved Christian music and listened to local radio station KTLF almost constantly. For many years she volunteered in fund raising events at KTLF and was a loyal supporter.

Betty was active in the Republican Women’s Club of Colorado Springs and was a long-time member of the National Federation of Republican Women. She chaired her precinct caucus and actively promoted the party’s candidates.

Betty is survived by a niece, Karen Kirshner, in Everett, Washington, a nephew, Anthony Skinner, in Gulfport, Mississippi, and several great nieces, great nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and two older brothers, Richard Skinner of Gulfport and Paul Skinner of Seattle, Washington.

Visitations will be at Swan Law Funeral Home, 501 N. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, on Monday, August 26 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and again on Tuesday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. There will be a brief graveside service in Evergreen Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 219 E. Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Betty may be given to The Navigators, International Need Account 16824, P.O. Box 6000, Colorado Springs, CO 80934.