Betty Jane Soots, family matriarch

Betty Jane Soots, 92, of Lewes, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Thursday, June 10, 2021. Betty was born at Beebe Hospital, July 18, 1928, to the late Samuel and Sallie May Hitchens Palmer.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband William Soots; her son Roger Young; and sisters, Helena Palmer, Catherine Palmer, Martha Pratt and Doris Sharp.

Betty was a lifelong resident of Lewes.  She was a graduate of Lewes High School. Betty and Bill launched a successful television and appliance store, Bill's TV, in 1964 where she took on all administrative and financial duties.  In her free time, she enjoyed reading, traveling with Bill, playing bridge, tanning by her pool, and hosting parties for family and friends.  She was a charter member of Lewes' famous 4th of July Doo-Dah Parade, and a member of the Lewes Eastern Star Chapter. She also was a lifelong member of Lewes Presbyterian Church, and served on several committees.

Betty leaves behind daughter Peggy Shockley and Toby; sons Randy Soots (Linda) and Rusty Soots (Diane), all from Lewes, as well Reagan Soots (Olga) from Jacksonville, Fla. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren: Michelle Steeves (Scott), Michael Shockley, Mark Soots (Shannon), Rebecca Miller (Harry), Kevin Soots, Matthew Soots (Andrea), Stephanie Jackson (Jay), Ryan Soots, Samuel Soots (Ali), Wilson Soots (Alycia) and Davis Soots.

Betty was also blessed with 19 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June15, at Lewes Presbyterian Church, 133 Kings Highway, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19966.

Please visit Mrs. Soot's Life Memorial and sign the online guest book at www.parselllfuneralhomes.com