Elizabeth “Betsy” Parker Paul, 85, passed away on June 24, 2019 after an extended illness.  

Devoted wife, mother and friend, she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.  

She was preceded in death by parents, Thomas Nelson and Elise Flannagan Parker; her husband of 59 years, James A. Paul Jr., and her two brothers, Thomas Nelson Parker Jr. and Edward R. Parker.

Survivors include her five children, Elise Paul Ott, James A. Paul III (Celine), Laura Paul Smith (Fry), Thomas G. Paul (Beth) and Sarah Paul Deignan (John); and 12 grandchildren, Jimmy and Catie Ott, Mary Cate Ferguson (Kevin) and Megan Paul, Osser and Taylor Smith, Harrison, Meredith and Ellen Paul, and Lucy, Emmy and Austin Deignan. She also leaves behind her devoted friend, Tom Doyle.  Their bridge partnership was legendary.

Betsy was a lifelong resident of Richmond where she attended St. Catherine’s School. She received her associate’s degree from Sweet Briar College, before marrying her first love, Jimmy Paul.  

Betsy was a fabulous tennis player, decorator, avid cook, and life master at the bridge table. Summers would find Betsy ensconced at her beloved cottage “Oakhaven” on Gwynn’s Island, where she grew beautiful flowers and enjoyed entertaining relatives and friends by the pool. Betsy loved nothing more than her view of Barn Creek from the front porch, Sudoku book in hand.

Betsy was a member of the Country Club of Virginia, the Richmond Wine Society and the Mathews Yacht Club. 

Her passion and joy for life will truly be missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday June 30, 2019, at Bliley’s-Central, 3801 Augusta Ave., Richmond. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.