Betty Parson Jackson's Obituary
Betty Jean Parson Jackson, age 88, entered eternal rest on Sunday, May 3, 2026. Born on September 24, 1937, in Honey Grove, Texas, she was the beloved daughter of Iona Mae Robinson and Aquilla Lee.
Betty graduated from Lincoln High School in Camden, Arkansas, and later received her Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) training from Baylor Hospital in Dallas, Texas. She married her high school sweetheart, Hersey Parson, in Camden, Arkansas. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Michelle “Shelly” Arvette and Rita Ladene.
After relocating to Dallas, the Parson family made their home in Oak Cliff, where their household became a gathering place filled with love, laughter, and cherished family memories. Betty shared a special bond with her sisters, Addie and Joyce. Addie and her husband, Ray, purchased a home just two doors away, and together the family raised their children surrounded by close fellowship, joyful gatherings, and lasting traditions.
Betty had a deep love for children and devoted several years of service as an LVN at Children’s Medical Center Dallas. She later transitioned into a successful career in management, serving as a Supervisor of Sales for Meisel Photochrome Corporation and The Color Place. Betty also enjoyed bowling and was an active member of several bowling leagues, where she formed many lifelong friendships that she treasured throughout the years.
At an early age, Betty accepted Christ as her Savior, and her faith remained the foundation of her life. She faithfully served in numerous ministries and choirs throughout the years. After moving to Dallas, she became a devoted member of Goodwill Baptist Church, where she served as Choir President, Church Secretary, and Announcement Clerk. Later, she united with True Love Missionary Baptist Church and Tabernacle of Praise, faithfully serving in various capacities including Choir President, Hospitality Ministry, Pastor’s Appreciation and Church Anniversary Committees, and wherever there was a need.
Betty was also a founding member of the gospel singing group, The Voices of Faith, under the leadership of our Aunt Mary Perry and Minister of Music Vivian Kirkwood Duncan. The group traveled extensively, sharing the message of Christ through song and blessing many with their rich gospel harmonies. Gifted with a melodious voice, Betty loved singing with her church choirs as well as with 3D (The Dallas Department of Deliverance), under the leadership of Elbert Taylor Jr.
Following the passing of her husband, Betty found love again and married Henry Jackson. Together, they shared a joyful life filled with travel, laughter, family, and devoted service at The Church on The Way, where they became active and faithful members.
Betty was deeply committed to her faith, her family, and her community. Known for her radiant smile, warm spirit, unwavering kindness, and vibrant energy, she touched the lives of all who knew her. Her legacy of love, compassion, service, and faith will continue to live on in the hearts of those blessed to know her.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Iona Robinson and Aquilla Lee; her brothers, Billy Rae Robinson, John Henry Robinson, Curtis Robinson, Larry Robinson, and Troy Robinson; her sister, Joyce Ann Sample; and her husbands, Hersey Lee Parson and Henry V. Jackson.
She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted daughters, Michelle Arvette (Robert) Boyce and Rita Parson (Rick) Hightower; her devoted son, Henry (Debra) Jackson; son, Kenneth (Janice) Jackson; loving daughters, Deborah Jackson, Sandra (Dino) Hall, and Constance Dillard; her steadfast sister, Addie Mae (Ray) Roberson; her beloved nieces and nephews from her sister and brothers’ families: devoted niece, Felicia Renee Foster; nieces, Stephanie Carter, Rochelle Law, and Alicia Lambert; nephews, Eric Roberson, Michael Roberson, and Jerome Carter; dear sister-friends, Ida Richardson, Lynda Humphrey, and Phyllis Johnson; loving grandsons, Corey Parson, Christopher Boyce (great-granddaughter, Amari), and Joshua (Shequeta) Boyce (great-grandson, Quentin); along with a host of beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, additional nieces and nephews, extended family members, cherished adopted children, dear friends, and members of The Church on the Way, all of whom will forever cherish her love and legacy.
What’s your fondest memory of Betty?
What’s a lesson you learned from Betty?
Share a story where Betty's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Betty you’ll never forget.
How did Betty make you smile?