Betty J. Burkett

Minister Betty Jean Burkett was born September 1, 1939, in Columbia, South Carolina, the beloved daughter of the late Andrew Martin, Sr. and Lucinda Thompson Martin.  She departed this earthly life for eternal life with the Lord on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at her residence in Irmo, South Carolina.

Betty was educated in the public schools of Lexington County where she was a graduate of Richlex High School.  Upon graduating, she was employed with Lexington School District Five at Irmo High School as a part of the Cafeteria Staff. She was also a sales associate at Kut Rate Fashions, for a short time, but her most important job was being a homemaker and taking care of her family.

On June 20, 1959, Betty was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Frank E. Burkett Sr. Their union of love was blessed with 66 years of love, happiness and the births of nine children.

Betty was a faithful and dedicated member of St. James FBH Church for many years.  During her tenure at St. James she was licensed as a Minister.  She served as Missionary President for the Church, was a member of the Motherboard, sang in the choir and was a part of the kitchen staff.

Betty was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who will be remembered for her love of baking; especially cakes and pies.

In addition to her beloved husband, Frank Sr. and parents, she was also preceded in death by a son, Thomas Burkett; daughters, Ivy, Brenda, and Marilyn Burkett; and four brothers, Willie, Henry, Andrew and Alfred Martin.

Those who are cherishing fond and precious memories of Betty are her loving son, Frank (Vanessa) Burkett, Jr. of Irmo, SC, daughters, Sherron (Henry) Edwards of Phenix City, AL, Miriam Burkett, Veronica (Edward) Mayers and Christle (Lewis) Jacobs, all of Irmo SC; twenty-three grandchildren; forty-four great grandchildren; her loving half-brother, Johnny (Louise) Hyler of Elgin, SC; four sisters-in-law, Joyce, Marana, Annie Ruth Martin, and Ruby Thompson; god-daughter, Pastor Stefanie Richardson; a host of nephews, nieces and other loving relatives and dear friends, all of whom will dearly miss her, but rejoice that she is now resting with the Lord.

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