Mrs. Betty Rose Parks Martin Evans, of Saxis, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, with her loving family by her side. Born March 29, 1936, on Tangier Island, she was the eldest of six children of the late Willie Thomas Parks and the late Eloise Crockett Parks.
Betty grew up on Tangier, often sharing stories of her childhood with a smile as she reflected on the countless memories shared with her siblings. As the “big sis,” she was adored by her brothers and sisters and had a special bond with each of them. On Jan. 22, 1953, Betty married the love of her life, Robert “Bobby” Martin. Together, they raised three children, and over the years, excitedly welcomed several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Having been raised in a Christian home, she proudly served the Lord throughout her life and was a longtime member of Atlantic Baptist Church. Affectionately known as Sis, Mom, Mom-Mom, and Rosie to many, she loved and cherished all of her family and friends. Betty was a nurturer, a woman of faith, grace, sweetness, and humor, and she will be greatly missed.
Survivors include her children, Della Taylor, of Locustville, Robert “Bud” Martin and his wife, Marilyn, of Atlantic, and Connie Sumner, of Parksley; sisters, Helen Johnson, of Mears, and Debbie Taylor and her husband, Oscar, of Bloxom; aunt, Elsie Smith; grandchildren, Karen, David, Teresa, Les (Suzanne), Tina (Aaron), Carrie (Jay), Melissa (Ivan), Brent, and Kyle (Amber); several great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Betty was predeceased by her husband and father of her children, Robert “Bobby” Martin; husband, Glenn Curtis Evans; sister, Elizabeth Curtis, and her husband, James; brothers, Willie Frank Parks and Danny Parks and his wife, Connie; and brother-in-law, Eugene Johnson.
A funeral service was conducted from the chapel of the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home on Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, with the Rev. Maury Enright officiating. Private interment was held at the Liberty Cemetery.
Contributions in Betty’s memory may be made to Riverside Shore Hospice, P.O. Box 616, Onley, VA 23418 (www.riversidehospice.org), or Atlantic Baptist Church, P.O. Box 397, Atlantic, VA 23303.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
