Betty Auld Zachary

Funeral services will be held for Mrs. Betty Auld Zachary, age 81, at First Baptist Church, 406 West Main Street, Homer, LA, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Brian Thurman, officiating. Interment will be at Arlington Cemetery in Homer, LA. Visitation will be at the church from 1-2 p.m., prior to the service.

Betty was born September 13, 1944, in Minden, LA, to Archie B. and Mary Bridgeman Auld. She entered into peaceful rest on May 18, 2026, in Minden, LA. Betty enjoyed a wonderful childhood growing up in Homer with her parents, older brother and sister next door to her maternal grandparents on W. 3rd Street across from the Presbyterian Church. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Homer and attended school in Homer from elementary to graduation. During her high school years, Betty was very involved in the famous Homer High Marching Band as a majorette and feature twirler, twirling flaming batons during the half time shows. The band was a very big part of Homer High during those years as they had to help keep the “Homer Ironmen” motivated as they were stacking up yards and points on the football field. Those were great times as many of our friends and family still remember.

After graduating, Betty attended Ayers Business College in Shreveport, earning her Business Degree in 1964. Also that year, she was crowned “Miss Claiborne Parish” and on August 7, 1964, married her high school sweetheart, G.W. Zachary, Jr., who had just gained a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Northwestern State in Natchitoches.

Betty joined G.W. in his first head football coaching job in Jennings, LA. After two successful years, he got a better opportunity in Merryville before moving on to Houma, LA.

In 1970, everything changed for Betty and G.W. with the building of Claiborne Academy and beautiful Lake Claiborne. Betty was very excited to be back home, close to family, friends, and church. She went to work right away for Judge Dougherty on the town square right next door to her Uncle Cedric Bridgeman’s store. By 1972, Betty had accepted the job offered by Mrs. Betty Anne Gladney, Clerk of Court, to join their team. She worked many years for Mrs. Gladney and in later years Mr. Pat Gladney followed by Mr. Brian Flynn. Betty received a very nice going away party and retirement gift from the Clerks Office upon her leaving in 2019 after 47 years of service.

Betty had several other jobs during all those years; raising two children, being the head coach’s wife (often washing the teams’ uniforms), taking care of aging parents and being a faithful Sunday School and choir member. Just like many women, she often was a cook, taxi driver, and maid for her kids and their friends.

Betty was a faithful Christian, wife, mother, sister, aunt, daughter, daughter-in-law, grandmother and friend. Betty was loved and will be missed by many!

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 60 years, G.W. Zachary; and brother, Archie Bernard Auld.

She is survived by her son, Roger Zachary and fiancé Lisa; daughter, Ann Marie Zachary Humphrey; son-in-law, Les Humphrey; four grandchildren, Zachary Willis and wife Brittany, McKenzie Zachary, Jarrett Zachary and wife Ella, and Matt Humphrey and wife Dana; a great-grandson, Owen Humphrey; granddaughter-in-law, Stephanie Humphrey; sister, Charlotte Ann Cavazos; several loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Betty’s family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Sam Abshire, Bristol Hospice and their staffs for the care and compassion shown her.

Pallbearers will be Len Wilkins, Ryan Harmon, Doug Pike, Brian Flynn, Ben Abshire, and Pat Abshire.

In lieu of flowers honoring Betty, her family suggests memorials be made to First Baptist Church of Homer or donor’s choice. 

Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Homer Chapel (318) 927-6110