Bettie Katherine Burkett

Saltville, VA

Bettie Katherine Burkett, age 81, passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at English Meadows in Abingdon, VA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie Burkett and Mildred Surber Burkett; her paternal grandparents, George Burkett and Bettie Gillespie Burkett; maternal grandparents, Bill Surber and Sarah Tolbert Surber; sister, Maxine Goodman Euzent Benson; two brothers, Dr. Sexton Burkett and Benny Burkett; brothers-in-law, Tate Goodman and Howard Webb; and special nephew, Tom Goodman.

Bettie is survived by two sisters, Sue Webb, of Bristol, TN, and Patty Prater (Nelson) of Saltville, VA; two brothers, Bill Burkett (Reba Dowdy) of Hickory, NC, and Curtis Burkett (Vicki Starnes) of Abingdon, VA; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Burkett (Wilson) of Lebanon, VA, and Judy Burkett (Musser), of Wytheville, VA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bettie was a graduate of Rich Valley High School in 1958. She then furthered her education at Radford University earning her B.A. in 1962. After finishing her education, she began her career in the fall of 1962 teaching 7th grade Virginia History at Honaker Elementary. After three years of teaching elementary she then became a Spanish teacher. She taught Spanish at Honaker Highschool (Russell Co.), Marion High School (Smyth Co.). Bettie ended her career at Patrick Henry High School (Washington Co.) retiring in 1997. She loved teaching Spanish and always gave a Spanish name to each of her students. She enjoyed attending and singing at church until poor health prevented her from attending. Over the years she was a member of several churches; New Cove in Chatham Hill, VA, Abingdon Bible Church in Abingdon VA. Bettie enjoyed gathering with her family and many friends for lunch or dinner. She was adored by all of her nieces and nephews. A good laugh was never lacking when Bettie was present.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Cove Church, to Mary Blevins, 6364 Bluegrass Trail, Saltville, VA, 24370

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 26, 2023 at Henderson Funeral Home with Pastor Mack Blevins officiating. The burial will follow at Ridgedale Cemetery in Rich Valley, VA. The family will be receiving friends from 1 until 2 p.m. prior to the service. Pallbearers will be Will Burkett, Bryson Burkett, Matthew Light, Nelson Prater, James Puckett, Tim Widener, and Tucker Widener. Honorary pallbearer will be Keith Goodman.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Bettie Katherine Burkett.