Dr. Franklin Parker '49 and Mrs. Betty Parker '50

While students at Berea College, Franklin and Betty Parker each found a treasured classmate, the love of a lifetime, the groundwork for great success and a philanthropic way to sustain a comfortable retirement.

It all started when Franklin, now age 100, and Betty, 92, were sitting together in class in September 1946. Coincidentally, Betty's maiden name is Parker, so as a student she found Franklin was often her neighbor in class. According to Franklin, they soon started walking hand in hand and have been doing so ever since.

Betty recalls that one of her favorite memories as a student was the singing of "Berea Beloved" in Phelps Stokes Chapel. She says, "Franklin was a few years older and had mature goals. He also has a beautiful speaking voice. I remember with what pride I heard him read Scripture during a Phelps Stokes service from the balcony."

"Berea is a second home for us," says Betty. "A place where we became adults and dreamed of travel and accomplishments."

Following their time at Berea College, the pair went on to travel domestically and internationally as they worked side by side. While Franklin pursued his Ph.D. in History and Philosophy Education at the George Peabody College for Teachers of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, his dissertation focused on George Peabody's life, philanthropies and the Peabody Education Fund's influence on later U.S. funds and foundations. They travelled to various higher education institutions to discuss the dissertation. Franklin also authored numerous published pieces and Betty, who had served as an English instructor at both the high school and post-secondary levels, edited the work. The couple donated published writings, books, compilation of writings and journals to Hutchins Library at the College.

Upon reflection, Betty notes their experiences together on Berea's campus took place during a different time, yet the mission of the College remains the same. "Though Berea and the world around us have changed immensely, Berea is faithful to its founding values," said Betty. "It still serves those deserving an education and opportunities. We are proud to support Berea."

"Because of our roots at Berea, we had opportunities and experiences that fulfilled our fondest dreams," said Betty. "Berea made possible the satisfactions and the joys of our lives."

While Franklin and Better have steadfastly supported the College every year since they graduated, they looked further into how their philanthropic efforts could also benefit them during retirement. "Needing to supplement Frank's pensions and other retirement benefits, and because of our great love and gratitude for Berea, charitable gift annuities benefiting Berea were a good option," said Betty.

Franklin and Betty have secured multiple charitable gift annuities including both standard and deferred gift annuities to suit their needs. "Our retirement is comfortably paid for by our Berea annuities and other annuities and investments," said Betty. "We live now in assisted living, a part of Uplands Village, a continuing care retirement community. Our Berea annuities cover almost all of our costs."We highly recommend these annuities," said Betty. "They have financed our good lives in assisted living."

Visit berea.giftlegacy.com to learn more about charitable gift annuities or contact the Office of Planned Philanthropy at 800-457-9846 or [email protected].