Betty A. Parry

SARASOTA, FL - Betty Adams Parry passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 21, 2016 in Sarasota, Florida, three days short of her 101st birthday. She was born to Hazel Inez Mercer and Paul Kerrell Adams on June 24, 1915, in Carollton, Ohio. Betty and her family moved to Albany right after she graduated from high school. She married the love of her life Everett J. Parry of Utica, N.Y. on July 12, 1939 at First Presbyterian Church of Albany by Dr. Rev. Eugene Blake, who later became leader of the World Council of Churches in Geneva. She and Ev raised a family of four in Albany and later became snowbirds going to Sarasota, Florida. Communication, public relations and volunteerism were her life-long passions. She was a pioneering radio talk show host in the 50's, creating and hosting a live 45-minute daily woman's program featuring daily guest stars such as Sarah Churchill, Gloria Swanson, and Grandma Moses. She was a wonderful writer, writing professionally for Look magazine, the Albany Times Union and Better Homes and Gardens. She wrote fabulous things for her children including a family genealogy as well as frequent letters of prose filled with her love of family. Betty was very social person alongside her lovable, strong and generous husband Ev. She had a great sense of humor and her life was filled with many infamous Lucile Ball-like incidents involving golf, cooking and her infamous car driving skills. Later in life, her witticisms became very endearing. She was a long-time active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Albany, Albany Country Club, Albany Curling Club and The Garden Study Club. Betty served on many boards including Albany Institute of History and Art Women's council, YMCA as president for two years, The Albany Visiting Nurses, The Council of Community Services and the Albany League of Arts. She was Mother of the year runner up, named by the college of St Rose and AAU as one of the 50 Bicentennial women of the year as well as being cited by Governor Dewey for founding the Craft Guild. An avid golfer and lover of social occasions Betty was obviously always on the "go!” After the sad passing of her husband Ev at the age of 77, she found the second love of her life, Arthur B. Johnson aka CAP, a debonaire WWII B-26 pilot. His companionship, musical and writing skills continued to bless her life until his passing in early 2016. She is survived by daughter Joan (David) Baim, Catherine (James) McHugh, Susan (Alexander) McEwan and son David (Naomi) Parry. Grand children Tim (Ricky) Talmage, Katrina (Trent) Clay, Scott (Terri Thompson) Reul, Kimberly (Roger) Goddard, Todd (Karen) Reul, Everett (Irene) McEwan, R. Andrew (Nicole) McEwan, Leigh (Chris) Pond, Bryn Elizabeth Parry (deceased) and Great-grandchildren Owen, Lily and Hugh Talmage, Hali and Jasper Goddard, Simone McEwan, Kaylyn and Evan McEwan, and Emma and Anna Pond. She also is survived by her sisters Marilyn (Charles) Cameron and Sally Mejia. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 27, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. The family will be present to receive friends one hour prior to service time from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Bethlehem Cemetery, Delmar. Donations in her memory can be sent to First Presbyterian Church, 362 State St., Albany, NY 12210