Bettie V. Denson Parker

Bettie V. Parker was born on February 15, 1944, in Isle of Wight County to her loving mother, the late Mae Rose Denson Alexander. She received her early education in the Isle of Wight County Public School System and graduated from Westside High School in 1963. Following graduation, Bettie moved to Washington, D.C., where she welcomed her beloved son, LaTroy Coltrane, in 1964. During her time in the District of Columbia, she earned her CNA certification from Georgetown University Hospital in 1967. She went on to work at Georgetown University Hospital as well as several other local hospitals, serving with dedication, skill, and compassion.

In 1969, Bettie relocated to Pennsylvania, residing in Levittown and North Philadelphia. Deeply committed to community service, she became actively involved as a Children’s Advocate and Political Activist. She later earned an Associate’s Degree in Childhood Development and worked as an Assistant Teacher with the Head Start Program.

 Bettie was also employed with Sears and Roebuck for many years before retiring and returning to Virginia around 1997. She worked faithfully for almost 20 years and retired from Riverside Hospital. Bettie was a former member of Little Zion Baptist Church in Hampton, where she worshiped for many years.

 She later joined Main Street Baptist Church in Smithfield, where she joyfully served in the Missions Ministry. Being part of the Main Street Baptist Church family brought her great happiness and spiritual fulfillment.

Bettie was preceded in death by her husband, Vance Parker; her beloved mother, Mae Rose Alexander; her stepfather, James W. Alexander, Sr.; her brother, Raymond Denson; two sisters, Patricia Denson and Margaret Young; one great-grandchild, Jasiel Coltrane; and a special friend, Ronald Tracy.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted son, LaTroy Coltrane of Baltimore, MD; her brother, James Alexander, Jr. (Barbara) of Suffolk, VA; and her granddaughters: LaToya Tyler (Christian) of Edgewood, MD; Jasmine Coltrane of Baltimore, MD; Sabrina Pringle-Bond (Kirk) of Gwynn Oak, MD; and Quantina Pringle of Washington, D.C. She also leaves a great-grandson, Cairo Tyler; a great-granddaughter, Alaiya Tyler; a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Bettie will be deeply missed by her family, church, and community.

On Friday, November 14, 2025 viewing will take place from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00am on Saturday, November 15,2025 at Main Street Baptist Church.  Interment will be private. Please keep the Denson and Parker family in your prayers.