Elizabeth Parker Obituary

Elizabeth "Betty" Whaley Middleton Briggs Parker CHARLESTON - Elizabeth "Betty" Whaley Middleton Briggs Parker died peacefully on Sunday morning October 12, 2014 at Bishop Gadsden. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at Magnolia Cemetery on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at 3:00 p.m., with a reception immediately following at Bishop Gadsden, Middleton Dining Room. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL. Betty was born in Charleston on March 12, 1918, the elder daughter of George Abbott Middleton and his wife Elizabeth Robertson Whaley Middleton. She was baptized in St. Michael's Church and graduated from Ashley Hall in 1936. She married William Hebard Briggs II of Rochester, NY in September of 1941 and was an airplane "spotter" with the Ground Observer Corps when she was awarded her "wings' in summer of 1942. She was a war widow in 1943 and married Francis LeJau Parker II in June of 1946. She returned to college later in life and earned her college degree in 1978 from the College of Charleston. Betty took many roles in her community including serving as President of Ashley Hall Alumnae Association, on the SC Board of Managers and as Library Chairman for the National Society of Colonial Dames, as recording Secretary of the Charleston Citizens for Clean Air, and on the Coastal Environmental Coalition representing the Preservation Society, and later on the Charleston Dorchester Mental Health Board. She served as docent in the Preservation Society, Historic Charleston Foundation, and was a tour guide at the Aiken-Rhett House. Betty enjoyed writing throughout her life. She was once on staff at the Charleston Evening Post and she published her mother's memoirs called "My Homes" in 1998. She is survived by her three children, William Hebard Briggs III of Jupiter, FL, Elizabeth Parker Dixon and Frances Parker Magee, both of Charleston; her five grandchildren, Lawrence Joseph Dixon, Jr., Francis LeJau Parker Dixon, John Alexander Magee, Jr., Elizabeth Middleton Magee and Charlotte Parker Magee; her brother, George Abbott Middleton, Jr. of Charleston; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Lois Middleton Stoney. The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff at Arcadia Close and Read Cloister at Bishop Gadsden for their care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Mrs. Parker's memory to the Bishop Gadsden Employee Appreciation Fund, One Bishop Gadsden Way, Charleston, SC 29412 or to the charity of your choice. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston