Betty Forbin Parker was born on November 2, 1941, in Calvert, Texas, to the late Joe and Letha Forbin. She received her early education at Anderson School in Calvert, Texas, in Robertson County.

At an early age, Betty accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and became a faithful member of Morning Star Baptist Church in Robertson County. Her relationship with God remained an important part of her life, guiding her through every season and chapter of her journey.

Betty later moved to Waco, Texas, where she welcomed her first child, Rayford Forbin. She eventually made Dallas, Texas, her home, where she was blessed with two additional children, Holly and Kevin Forbin.

After moving to Dallas, Betty joined Judea Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Austin Salter, Sr. She quickly became an active and dedicated member of the church. She faithfully served in the choir, attended Sunday School, and was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever she was needed. Betty’s servant’s heart was evident not only in the church but in every aspect of her life.

Over the years, Betty worked for a number of families, earning a reputation for being dependable, caring, and hardworking. Her genuine love for people was reflected in the way she served and cared for others.

While attending Judea Baptist Church, Betty met and married the love of her life, Reverend Robert Parker. Following their marriage, she moved her membership to Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served under the leadership of her husband until his passing.

After the death of Reverend Parker, Betty returned to Judea Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Lonzie Range, Sr. She remained a faithful and devoted member until her health began to fail. Throughout her years at Judea, she continued to serve in the choir and was an active member of the Mission Department, Sunday School, and Hospitality Committee. She was also a dedicated supporter of the church’s food pantry, always mindful of those who were in need.

Betty had a special gift for making people feel loved, welcomed, and cared for. One of the ways she expressed that love was through her cooking. Her fried chicken, fish, pies, broccoli casserole, and, of course, her famous 7-Up cakes were favorites among family and friends. Her kitchen was a place where love was served generously, and the memories created around her table will be treasured for years to come.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Letha Forbin; her beloved husband, Reverend Robert Parker; one brother, St. Clarence; five sisters, Josie Battle, Hattie Forbin, Dorothy Forbin, Ella McFail, and Martha Scott; and her granddaughter, Kenna Forbin.

Left to cherish her beautiful memory are her beloved children, Rayford Forbin, Holly Forbin, and Kevin Forbin, all of Dallas, Texas; three grandchildren, Patrick Forbin, Stephen Forbin (Stephanie) of the United Kingdom, and Tamyrah Forbin; one sister, Mazie Jones of Dallas, Texas; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family; a special niece, Patsy Strawther; and special friends, Freda Gibbs, Selarian Gibbs, and Janice Martin.

Betty’s life was a testament to faith, family, service, and love. She gave of herself freely, cared deeply for others, and left an imprint on the hearts of everyone blessed to know her. Her laughter, her kindness, her cooking, her faithful service, and the love she shared so generously will live on through her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

Though our hearts are heavy with her absence, we rejoice in the knowledge that Betty has completed her earthly journey and is now resting peacefully in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure and she will be loved and missed forever.