of Scranton, AR
April 26, 1927 - October 14, 2020
Beatrice ''Bea'' Burkett, 93, a resident of Scranton, Arkansas went to be with the Lord Wednesday, October 14, 2020. Beatrice was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
She was born April 26, 1927, in Russell, Arkansas to the late Ray and Venious (McElyea) Ellis. Beatrice was a retired cattle Farmer in Scranton, Arkansas, well known for her purebred Charolais bulls. She was also an accomplished seamstress, gardener and loved collecting rocks. An avid learner, Beatrice completed college level courses earning several certifications. She passed her work ethic and love of learning on to her children and grandchildren.
Beatrice was a member of the First Baptist Church in Scranton for 51 years. In 1996, she was awarded the Senior Award for Outstanding Service. She shared her love of God and trust in Him with everyone she met. Beatrice could be best described as an amazing woman who met life's challenges with grace and always found reasons to be thankful to God.
In addition to her parents Beatrice was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas E. Burkett, two brothers, Carl and Kenneth and three sisters, Lois Cox, Ailene Edwards and Glen Tacker.
Survivors include her children, Thomas Burkett and wife, Kathy of Sahaurita, Arizona, Louvenious Apperson and husband, Richard of Sonoita, Arizona, Judy Grenwelge of Scranton, Arkansas, Betty Miller and husband, James of Huntingdon, Tennessee and Bill Burkett and wife, Ruthie of Paris, Arkansas; three sisters, Viola Webb, Elizabeth Edward and Barbara Yarborough; a brother, Charles Ellis; sixteen grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 24, 2020, at Prairie View Cemetery near Scranton with Rev. Jan Akins officiating. Burial will follow under the direction of Roller Funeral Home in Paris. Online guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/paris.
Knowing Beatrice's deep care for the well being of children, the family requests donations be made to the Arkansas Baptist Children's Home or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
I remember as a child spending my summers on the farm, didn't seem like it at the time but I learned so much from her. From how to drive a tractor, hay fields, tagging calfs & banding the young bulls. All the way to cooking,crocheting & running a sewing machine & knowing when the fruits and veggies were ready to pick from the garden making homemade salsa and iceing. I remember going through some growing pains in my legs she would would be up all night with me until I finally went to sleep.
GREAT GRANDMA BURKETT I LOVE YOU & MISS YOU SO SO MUCH. I shall never forget!!!
My prayers and sympathy to the family. I wish you comfort in your time of loss. Rod Jones
I first met Mrs. Burkett almost 70 years ago in 1951 when I was 9 years old. she was always a kind and humble person and a devoted Christian. She and her family led me to find Jesus. Thank you for being such a wonderful roll model Mrs. Burkett.
Bill and family, we are truly sorry for your loss. Ms. Bea was a wonderful lady and admired by so many for her strength of character and kindness. She touched many lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
What a wonderful lady. It was a privilege to know her. She will be missed by so many. May the family find comfort in their special memories.
I will miss my aunt be a lot more than you think
So sorry to hear about the passing of Aunt Bea...She was a person truly worth knowing...and one of my favorite Aunts...I will be unable to attend the service on Saturday so please give everyone my condolences....Love you all!!!! Eugene / Paula Cox
Aunt Beautiful was an amazing woman.I loved her and enjoyed my summers with her.So many great memories.Love you My dear sweet Aunt.
So sorry for your loss. I always will remember the fun times I had visiting at the farm. Bea Burkett ought me how to can pears, make apple sauce, and bailing hay was a blast, also milking cows at Judy's. Great times back in the 70's. Love all of my family.
So sorry for the loss of Mrs. Burkett. What a wonderful person she was. I know she will be sorley missed by friends and family. This world needs more Mrs. Burketts.
God be with you Bill and family. What an incredible legacy she left behind.
Aunt Bea you were such a loving and kind lady. I know you are resting in the arms of Jesus and so happy. You never had a bad word to say about anyone, i'll always remember coming to see you and Grandma and Grandpa. One day i come to see you and you were so sad because some of your cows had died in a storm because lighting hit a tree they were under and your heart hurt for them. R.I.P. my sweet Bea.
She will truly be missed by the entire community. She always greeted everyone with kind words and a warm smile. Rest In Peace.
A true guiding light of love and compassion. My mother, father and best of all my grandmother.
Eonderful memories! A life well lived!
Aunt Bea was a true Angel on Earth. I will miss her tremendously.
Thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of loss.
Such a sweet woman of God. She will be missed by all who knew her.
You are in my prayers. Another angel made it home.
Dear Family:
What a long life and sweet legacy for all of you to have. I remember various family members with raised eyebrows and gospel truth voices saying, “be glad you’ve never seen her mad!†I never did. Not once! Even in missing her I know you will have comfort in the knowledge of her Welcome to Heaven! God Bless you all.
Mrs. Burkett was such a sweet woman. I remember wanting to be like her in character and strength as I was growing up. She was a great role model. I’m so sorry for your loss, and pray you find peace during this difficult time.
My most heart-felt condolences to the Burkett family. Mrs. Burkett was one of the finest people that I have ever met. Sweet with a beautiful smile, hard working, always full of encouraging words, a prayer Warrior. May God's love provide you comfort in your time of mourning.
Love to all,
Betty Trisler Fairbanks
Judy and all of the family, I'm sorry for your loss. I don't think I ever met Mrs. Burkett, yet I knew the name of here farm since the first bales of hay I pur hased from Skeet.
Prayers for y'all.