Betty White

Mrs. Betty Dorse Parks White, 91, of Clemmons, passed away Wednesday, November 18, 2020. She was born in Forsyth County on May 23, 1929, to the late Ralph Leo and Irene Mae Lee Parks. She grew up in Winston-Salem and at a young age, met Spencer, her husband of 58 years. Betty worked as a beautician in a few local salons before opening her own shop in her home.  Her clients were like family and became her lifelong friends. She was dedicated to her work and her clients for 56 years, retiring at age 78.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. White is preceded in death by her husband, Spencer Oneal White; a sister, Margaret Whitsett; four brothers: Roger Parks, Charles Parks, David Parks, and John Parks; and her beloved pet, Roo. Surviving are her three children: Dennis White (Lori Brockway) of Montana, Donna White Hinson (Bill) of Clemmons, and Elizabeth White Agientas (Mark) of Advance; five grandchildren: Maggie Holcomb (Josh), Elizabeth Hinson (Beau Davis), William Hinson (Abigail Rosendale), Ian Agientas, and Katharine Agientas; two great-grandchildren, Spencer and Claire Holcomb; and two sisters, Faythe Landreth and Ann Goforth (Gerald).

Betty, known simply as Nannie to her family and all who she would meet, loved having her family close. Her door was always open to any person or animal that her family wanted to bring home. She cherished the time together with friends and her family sharing songs and laughter together.  She was thrilled to be able to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, watching them grow and flourish.  Betty had a quick wit and always enjoyed telling stories of her childhood and the many trips she and Spencer had taken together.  She was an avid reader all of her life until Macular Degeneration robbed her of most of her vision.  Betty loved the beauty of God’s world and rejoiced in the gift of beautiful flowers.  She had an amazing green thumb, spending hours in her flower and vegetable gardens. She reveled in teaching her grandchildren about Southern cooking, growing plants and preserving the fruits of her garden. The memories of their time together are beyond measure. Nannie’s passing leaves a hole in the family that will not easily be filled.  Her spirit will live on in all those touched by her life.

Because of Betty’s true love of flowers, the family welcomes flowers in her honor. For those who wish to remember Betty with a donation, please consider the American Macular Degeneration Foundation (www.macular.org), the Forsyth Humane Society (www.forsythhumane.org), or your favorite charity.

A graveside service will be conducted in her honor 2:00 PM Wednesday, November 25, 2020, at Parklawn Memorial Park, officiated by Rev. Dr. Stephen Loftis. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.