Betty Parker Skelton was born on December 20, 1956, to the late Phillip Dickie and Elizabeth Green Dickie.  Betty's educational journey started at Garden City School and continued at Klein High School. After graduating, she pursued higher education at Sam Houston State University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Health. She loved to sing and was a member of Soul Lifters Gospel Choir.  She was also an active member of the Sam Houston Alumni. It was during this tenure she became a proud member of the illustrious Theta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporate  She loved her sorority sisters and all things AKA!

After college, Betty embarked on a professional journey that included employment at First Gibraltar Savings and Loan before embracing roles as a homemaker and Substitute Teacher in the Aldine and Klein Independent School Districts. Her life took new turns when she married Tony Parker, bringing into the world their beloved son, LonAnthony Phillip Parker. Later in life, she married Joe Winston Skelton, and from this union, Christopher Joseph Skelton was born.

Betty's spiritual foundation was laid early in life when she accepted Christ and was baptized under the guidance of the late Pastor Israel H. White at Magnolia Missionary Baptist Church. Over the years, she enriched her spiritual journey, becoming an integral part of New Jerusalem Baptist Church under Pastor Lewis C. Rodgers later joining Bella Vista Missionary Baptist Church under the late Pastor Calvin J. Abraham and, subsequently, Pastor Jacari P. Davis. Betty actively participated as a member of the Usher Board, engaged in the Mission, and found joy in her involvement with the Season Saints, Vanguard Sunday School Class, Independent Heights Senior Group, and Group Unit #8.  Betty was a faithful and involved family member; even when she couldn't go, she encouraged "CJ" to go.

Betty loved to travel and has many cherished memories from her great adventures. Taking pictures, saving pictures, and sharing pictures made her the happiest.   She never met a stranger. Due to her love of people she developed long, loving, and lasting friendships.  Betty was an amazing encourager known for sharing bible scriptures, daily devotions, prayers, or a simple greeting, especially in the mornings. Her interests also extended to baking, watching classic movies, and reading her favorite novels.

Betty peacefully transitioned from this life December 14, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Skelton, father, Phillp Dickie, sister, Carroll Dickie Evans, and brother Lonnie Phillip Dickie.

Left to cherish her memories: Children: LonAnthony Phillip Parker and Christopher Joseph Skelton; grandchildren: Synicah Daunte Parker and his sister Clarissa Baltazar; mother: Elizabeth Dickie; sister: Geraldine Dickie Simmons; brothers: Victor Dickie, Vastine Dickie, Rev. Kenneth Ray Dickie (Andrea), Anthony Wayne Dickie (Felicia), Wesley Allen Dickie (Kathy), Marcus Terrell Dickie (Demetrial); aunts: Rose Green (Wharton, TX) and Rose Green (Cedar Lane, TX); uncle: Murray Green; several long-time friends which she truly treasured, several god-daughters that she treated as her own, her Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority sisters, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Until we meet again, "traveling grace, traveling grace."

Funeral Services: Thursday - December 21,
2023-11:00am
Bella Vista MBC
803 E 36th Street
Houston, TX 77022
Officiant and Eulogist Pastor Jacari
Davis Repast Bella Vista MBC Fellowship
Hall (immediately following services)
Interment:
Friday - December 22, 2023-10:00am
Houston National Cemetery-10am
Lane #.
10410 Veterans Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77038