Betty Jo Burma, age 75, went to be with the Lord January 4, 2014, at her home at Baptist Village in Owasso, Oklahoma, after a long battle with cancer. Betty Jo (Weeks) Burma was born October 23, 1938, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Benjamin and Zelphia Weeks. She is survived by her four children: Lisa Dickey, Mike Burma, Sandy Short and Nancy Partain; 10 grandchildren: Cheryl Williams, Carrie Warren, Cody Dickey, Rachel Burma, Michael Burma, Samuel Burma, Shannon Short, William Short, Wyatt Short and Justin Partain; nine great grandchildren: Leo Williams, Wyatt Williams, Jasper Williams, Jodi Warren, Dax Warren, Kaydence Partain, Alivia Marie, Floyd Ayden and Amari Lee.
Betty had a close and loving relationship with her daughter in law, Sherry Burma, and her sons in law, Roy Dickey, Willy Short and John Partain. She also had a special place in her heart for her granddaughter in law, Kaylee Partain and her grandsons in law, Red Warren and Jeremiah Williams.
Betty is also survived by her two sisters, Eunice Logsdon and Wanda Davis, and her brother Curtis Weeks. She was preceded in death by her three older brothers: Louie Weeks, Danny Weeks and David Weeks.
Betty grew up with four older brothers and two younger sisters in a modest happy home in Tulsa. She was a help and blessing to her family growing up. She graduated from Central High School in 1957 before meeting Leo Burma, the man of her dreams and the love of her life. Leo and Betty were married October 18, 1957; they began their married life in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The young couple with their four small children moved to Talala, Oklahoma, in 1970. Betty would be the first to say she had a blessed life! Betty and Leo built their family, faith and farm together. They had a very special relationship with each other and the Lord and it was played out before the family each day.
Betty was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and aunt. Betty touched so many lives with her kind spirit, love and prayers. She loved her church, Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle, and her church family. Being involved in church was always a priority; and over the years, Betty served with Leo in the Young Married Sunday School Class, Vacation Bible School and the Ladies’ Group.
Betty enjoyed gardening and had quite the “green thumb.” She was an avid Bible reader and was excited to make a dollar stretch by cooking, sewing and decorating. She had special times with her children and grandchildren through vacations, reading, crafts and always taking an interest in their lives. Best of all, she was aprayer warrior!
Leo and Betty enjoyed traveling and just spending time together at their beloved home place. She had missed Leo every day since he went home to be with the Lord almost 10 years ago. They are now holding hands walking the streets of gold together! What a blessing – “Great is HIS reward.”
“The world is a better place because of Betty Burma.” said her nephew. “A perfect example of a lady.” stated her grandson. She will be greatly missed, but she is in our hearts forever and we will see her again.
The family of Betty Jo Burma wishes to express their deep appreciation to everyone. Your thoughtful tokens of love and concern and especially your prayers have given usstrength during this difficult time.
Funeral services were held at Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle on Thursday, January 9, 2014, with Pastor Gary Cate officiating. Interment followed at Oak Hill Cemetery in Oologah. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Betty Jo Burma to Awana or Missions Program at Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle, P.O. Box 184, Collinsville, OK 74021. Arrangements were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service, Owasso, Oklahoma. www.moweryfs.com.
