On May 14th, 2021, Betty passed away peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus. She was 87 years old. Betty was born in Charlotte, N.C. on November 12, 1933 to her parents, Chris and Mary Palanges Economides, who were born in Asia Minor, but immigrated to Greece in 1921 when the Turks invaded Asia Minor. They met and were married in Greece. From Greece, they came to America through Ellis Island. They settled in Charlotte, N.C. where their first child, Chris Economides, Jr. was born. Two years later Elizabeth (Betty) was born. They had no other family in America, but were close to the Greek Community. Betty's father was one of the founders of Charlotte's Greek Orthodox Cathedral. She and her family were very involved with their church. Betty grew up in a very loving family. She went to modeling school and did some modeling. She also took dance lessons, (ballet, tap and toe) and danced many solos. She sang in the church choir since she was a teenager. Betty was also invited to join the Charlotte's Choral Group, where she was introduced to Billy Graham, whom she didn't know and thought he was very tall. She was also president of Estia, a church youth group. Betty was always involved with her church. She graduated from Central High School in 1952 and from Charlotte Business College in 1955. She went to work for Central Motor Lines, and was an executive secretary to the Vice President. She met her future husband, the love of her life, Sam H. Yianitsas, at an Ahepa Convention in St. Louis, MO. They married in 1959 and had 3 beautiful children. They lived in Beaumont, Texas for four years, and then moved to Houston. Betty joined the choir and was asked to sing solos at church services and weddings. She also taught Sunday School and was on the Philoptochos Board for approximately 20 years. While on the Philoptochos Board, she chaired the "Shut Ins" committee for 15 years. She was also on the wedding committee for 21 years, and chaired one of the Philoptochos Galas. She was very proud of this Philanthropic organization because of their good works. In 1966, our church had the very first Greek Festival in Houston. Betty was one of the first dancers. She danced in the festival until she was 40 years old. Then her children began dancing in the Festival, followed by her grandchildren. After she quit dancing, she continued to stay involved in the Festival and was on the welcoming committee for many years. When the Festival had their 50th Greek Festival, they asked the original dancers to perform. So at the age of 83, she led the dancing. She began painting with oils in the 1970's. She loved to paint. In 1981, her husband died at the age of 48 of colon cancer. At that time she quit painting and never got back to it. She spent the remainder of her life at The Abbey at Westminster Plaza where she made numerous new friends. She was always the life of the party and never met a stranger. Words cannot express our thanks to her caretakers, Miryan Lopez, Arianna Lugo, LaQuisha Hill and Arely Martinez who treated her like their own mother. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Sam H. Yianitsas, her parents Chris and Mary Economides, her brother, Chris Economides Jr., her first grandchild, Mary Elizabeth Yianitsas and many aunts, uncles and cousins in Greece. Betty's children and grandchildren were most important to Betty. Her daughter Chrysanthie and husband Dennis Pappas of Houston, TX, son Harry Yianitsas and wife Sandy of Rosharon, TX, and son Christo Yianitsas and wife Beth of Industry, TX. Her beloved grandchildren, Samantha Yianitsas, Elizabeth and J.D. Pappas. Patricia Economides, Betty's sister-in-law and her 3 children and their spouses from North Carolina were extremely close to Betty. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church or Philoptohos (same address for both), 3511 Yoakum Blvd, Houston, TX 77006.