Betty's life was defined by her love of family, friends, church, and adventure. She and her husband, Buford, moved often during his years in the oilfield, growing their family along the way. When they eventually settled in New Orleans, her adventurous spirit shone brightly, including the day she took her four young children, all under the age of ten, to their very first Mardi Gras parade. She volunteered at her children's school and nurtured their faith through church activities at Napoleon Avenue and Ingleside Methodist Churches.
After the family moved to Baton Rouge, Betty began a long and dedicated career with the East Baton Rouge School District and later when Buford retired to Vinton, she worked in the Calcasieu Parish School System. She retired after 20 years of service. Her church community remained central to her life. She was active in the United Methodist Women and could always be counted on to lend a helping hand. She loved chaperoning the Ingleside United Methodist youth group on trips, creating crafts for church bazaars, and volunteering for Vacation Bible School during the summer. She shared her time, creativity, and warmth generously, and she touched countless lives through her kindness and Christian faith. She also enjoyed participating in activities at the Vinton Senior Center, where she made many dear friends.
Betty loved being a grandmother and considered it one of God's sweetest blessings. She devoted as much time as she could to her grandchildren, taking them on trips to historic places, sharing stories, and opening their eyes to the world. She found joy in simple moments gathered around a table playing dominoes or cards, working on puzzles, or laughing together late into the evening with her brother Raymond, sister- in-law Verna, and other family members. But the greatest gift she gave her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was her faith. She delighted in teaching them about the Lord, guiding them with gentle wisdom, and showing them through her actions what a life rooted in Christ looks like. The lessons she shared, the prayers she prayed, and the love she poured into her family have created a legacy that will be cherished for generations.
Survivors include her children, Linda Harvey (Randy) of Denver, Colorado; Gary Parker (Nicole) of City of Central, Louisiana and Pamela Lago of Corpus Christi, Texas; her four grandchildren, Dwight Garrett (Heidi), Zack Garrett (Valerie) Jordan Michael, and Rachel Rizvi, 9 great grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and sister-in-law Verna Swinney. She is preceded in death by her husband, Buford Parker; her eldest daughter, Mary Elizabeth Garrett; her parents, Marion Mott "Bill" Swinney and Bessie McClendon Swinney; her son-in-law, Jim Lago; and her siblings, (twin) Bobby Lee, Joyce Dillen, Dora Magee, Bill Swinney, JoAnn Powers, John L. Swinney, and Raymond P. Swinney.
Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 8, in Vinton Methodist Church. The Rev. Rob Tibbitts will officiate. Burial will be in Roselawn Mausoleum in Sulphur under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Vinton. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home and will resume at 9 a.m. until the time of service Monday in the church. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Vinton Methodist Church, 1100 Horridge St. Vinton, LA 70668 in honor of Betty Parker.
