ERIE – Mildred Jean “Millie” (Parker) Besse, 87, of Erie, died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at her home. She was a teacher and retired from Erie High School in 1979.

She was born Oct. 25, 1925, the daughter of Harold and Evabelle Parker. She graduated from Erie High School and Northern Illinois University with a degree in home economics. She married Joseph Besse on June 19, 1948, at Albany Methodist Church. She was a member of Erie United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her husband; children, Mark (Regina) Besse of Erie, Bart (Sue) Besse of Louisburg, Kan., Brenda Besse of Erie and Jody Besse of Erie; brothers, Jerry (Marlee) Parker and Donnie (Jan) Parker; sister, Margie Johnson; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.