SARAH BERTRON PARSLEY 1921-2018

Sarah Bertron Parsley, 97, passed away peacefully with her son, Ben, by her side, on June 18, 2018. Sarah was born on January 12, 1921 in Houston, Texas, to Doris Holder and Samuel Reading Bertron, Sr. Sarah attended The Kincaid School, and was in the first graduating class at Lamar High School. After high school, Sarah attended King-Smith Studio School for Girls in Washington, D.C. where she attended a Literature class in the home of author, Lesley Frost, daughter of poet, Robert Frost. Sarah also attended St, Mary’s School in Raleigh, NC during which time she was introduced to Walter Parsley, a student at University of North CarolinaChapel Hill. After attending University of Texas in Austin, Sarah and Walter became engaged and were married in Florida where Walter was training to serve as a fighter pilot in WWII. After the war ended, the couple moved to Houston where they lived until they retired to Walter’s childhood home in North Carolina.

Sarah and Walter enjoyed attending social events with their dear, long-time friends. Walter always said, “She was the prettiest one at the party.” Sarah was absolutely delightful and made friends wherever she went. Her smile and sense of humor were endearing.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Linton Parsley, her daughters, Ann Parsley Harper and Linda Parsley McVean. Sarah is survived by her daughter, Mary Parsley Mustard (Eric) and son, Ben Holder Parsley; her grandchildren, Graham Williams (Ericka), Kate Williams Ward (Tillman), Malcolm Williams (Erin), Andrew Mustard (Georgia Kate), Michael Mustard, David Mustard and Denis Mustard; great-grandchildren, Haley, Lyndsie, Hayden, Reese, Laurel, Sloane, Tillman, Eloise, Charlotte, Grady, Boe, Charlie, greatgreat-granddaughter, Cecelia and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Sarah enjoyed dear friendships in her involvement in civic activities which included The Junior League of Houston, Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, Houston Country Club, D.A.R., and Late Bloomers Garden Club. Sarah was a member of First Presbyterian Churches in Houston and in Wilmington, NC.

A service celebrating Sarah’s life will be held Saturday, June 23 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of First Presbyterian Church, 5300 South Main Street, Houston, TX 77004, with Rev. Jonathan Ramsay officiating. A reception will be held at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to M. D. Anderson Cancer Center,

P. O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486, Lower Cape Fear Historical Society, 126 South 3rd St., Wilmington, NC 28401 or to the charity of your choice.