Betty Diann Sanders Parker passed peacefully to her eternal rest after a brief illness Tuesday, March 31, 2015. Memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2015, at Burks Walker Tippit Funeral Home in Tyler, Texas. Betty was born the second of six children on July 13, 1949 in Fort Worth, Texas. She lived the majority of her life in Tyler, Texas. Her Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and History, Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice and passing the CLA exam were the springboard for a successful career in the legal field and with the Federal Courts. She planned to retire in May 2015 and enjoy quality time with family and friends. In addition to her professional career, she embraced her entrepreneurial spirit by owning and operating a local restaurant where her love of people and personal touch helped serve many happy customers. Betty was a devoted and loving Mother and Nanna. Her greatest treasures were her children, grandchildren and extended family. Our birthdays were transformed into special days as we all looked forward every year to our personal call from Betty to sing her one-of-a-kind "Happy Birthday" song! Betty had a zest for life which was evident in her hobbies. She had a natural love for the water and outdoors. She was an avid tournament fisherwoman catching trophy bass she proudly displayed. She recently enjoyed boating and fishing in the Northwest Pacific. Her indoor passions included the love of music and dance. Betty had a soft touch on the keyboard and loved playing hymns and classical music. She was also an accomplished trumpet player, playing in the jazz band during college. Her musical timing and fun spirit was transformed into dance. Many happy hours of dancing were enjoyed at The Big Sandy Dance Hall having fun with friends, flashing her beautiful smile and tickling ears with her infectious laughter. This love of dance and music was passed on and lives on in her family. She had an abiding love of God as her faith blossomed in her later years. Betty Dianne Sanders Parker's vibrant smile, kindness, and character were combined into one amazing lady. We thank our heavenly Father for sharing her amazing heart and soul with us. Betty was preceded in death by sister, Sandra Carolyn, parents, Aubrey Sanders, Sr. and Allie Faye Williams Sanders, and precious grandson, Peanut Robinson. Betty is survived by sons, Robie Robinson and Craig Parker, daughters Krikit Lee and Mandy Smith, grandchildren, Kyndell, Larson, Jake, Maggie, Brooke, Andi, Dillon, Summer and Miles, brother, Aubrey Sanders, Jr, sisters Sherry Anderson, Deloris Briggs, and Julie Dudley, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends.
