Elizabeth Armstrong Parker passed away peacefully in Austin,
Texas, on May 26, 2015, at the age of 78 after succumbing to Alzheimer’s
disease. Elizabeth “Liz†Armstrong and her twin sister Lora were born on May
17, 1937, to Ada “Jane†Dabney and Hervey “Pat†Armstrong in Wink, Texas. Liz,
Lora and their beloved older brother John, grew up in Van Horn, where John owned
a shoe repair business.
Liz graduated from Van Horn High School in 1955 and
then attended Sul Ross State College in Alpine where she met her future husband
Doyle Erwin Stout of Dallas. Doyle, a southpaw pitcher for the semi-pro baseball
team the Alpine Cowboys, and Liz married on August 4, 1956, shortly before
Doyle joined the United States Marine Corps. They had three children: Doyle
Erwin Junior “DJâ€, John Edward and Ted Eugene.
As a military family, Liz, Doyle and her three boys moved
nearly every year and lived in California, Virginia, Massachusetts, Ohio, Texas
and Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Liz was a devoted mother and a good cook. Her
three growing boys would often fight over whatever dish she prepared. Liz was
beautiful and a charming host at the parties and social events she organized in
her role as a Marine officer’s wife. She was friendly and easy going with a
sweet disposition. Liz loved everyone she ever met and they loved her instantly.
In 1978 Liz moved to Big Spring, Texas, to be closer to her
parents and her twin sister Lora. During this period she attended the University
of Texas of the Permian Basin in Odessa, where she finished her college degree
and obtained her teaching certificate in 1980. Liz then taught elementary
school in Big Spring. She was an enthusiastic teacher who inspired her students
and was loved by her fellow teachers. Liz was a voracious reader and often read
every book on the best-seller list. On August 20, 1982 Liz married Aaron Leroy
Collins in Big Spring. Aaron, who was a military veteran, passed away on April
18, 1985.
On Sept. 17, 1986, Liz married James Franklin “Frank†Parker
of Bedford, Texas. Frank, a successful attorney and Partner in his law firm, and
Liz lived in Lubbock, Fort Worth, Big Spring, Bedford, Texas and Ruidoso, New
Mexico. They also traveled the world together. The couple’s wanderlust led them
to China, Ireland, Paris, Scotland, England, New Zealand, Australia,
Switzerland and Costa Rica–their all time favorite. Their shared love for
adventure made Liz and Frank great traveling companions and Liz was legendary
for making friends with everyone they encountered on their numerous sojourns. Frank
loved Liz dearly and was an amazing partner throughout their entire marriage.
He was particularly strong and selfless during Liz’s devastating battle with Alzheimer’s
disease.
As identical twins, Liz and sister Lora cherished their times
together. They enjoyed long walks on Scenic Mountain in Big Spring and took frequent
trips. Liz and Lora were so close they seemed to have their own language, often
giggling and finishing one another’s sentences. It was truly a special bond.
Liz is survived by her husband Frank of 28 years; her sons
DJ (Lana) of Austin; John (Judy) of Ransom Canyon, Texas; Ted (Rose) of Picabo,
Idaho; her five grandchildren Patrick, Nicholas and Lucy of Austin, and Benjamin
and Mariah of Picabo, Idaho; her twin sister Lora Warren of Big Spring, her
sister-in-law Nelda (Marion) Carter of Garden City, Texas; her nephew Lelan
(Rhonda) Warren of Dallas; and her deceased nephew Gene Warren’s widow Diana and
their daughter Emily of Fredericksburg. Liz was preceded in death by her
parents, Jane and Pat Armstrong and her brother John Armstrong of Van Horn, her
brother in-law Douglas Warren, and her nephew Gene Warren.
In lieu of a funeral and in honor of Liz’s wishes, the
family plans to convene to honor her quietly in her hometown of Van Horn later
this summer. Liz did not designate a charity but the family suggests donations
to Alzheimer’s research in her memory.
Sweet Liz loved everyone and we all loved her back. We will
miss her so much.
