One of the most patriotic individuals I have ever known has passed away. Bettye Parker died Tuesday after a short illness. At Bettye's request there will be no memorial service.
Bettye ran Bettye Parker Realty on Highway 58 for as long as I can remember.
She handled thousands of property transactions. Her son, Paul Parker, also became involved in real estate and is the real property manager for Hamilton County.
I met Bettye back in the 70's through her vast community involvement. She never met a stranger and loved everyone. Bettye was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce. Bettye helped organize the Highway 58 Christmas Parade and raised hundreds of dollars for the Police and Fire departments' “Forgotten Child Fund”.
Bettye was best known for her work with the Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge. She was a charter member of the Chattanooga chapter. Bettye was honored several times by the Freedoms Foundation national organization for her contributions. County Historian Linda Moss Mines noted that "You cannot wear red, white and blue without thinking of Bettye Parker."
Patsy Henry, of the Freedoms Foundation said, "It is with sadness that our dear friend and dedicated member of the Chattanooga Chapter of the Freedoms Foundation, Bettye Parker, passed away. At Bettye’s request there will no memorial service. Out of her love for the Freedoms Foundation she requested at her death donations be made in her honor to this organization. Bettye will truly be missed. Please keep her family in your prayers during this time."
Bettye had made the request that at her death donations be made in her memory to the local Freedoms Foundation Chapter. We will all miss Bettye Parker.
Earl Freudenberg