Bettye Burks

Mrs. Bettye Carol Bass Burks, age 87, of Unionville, Tennessee, died Tuesday, February 27, 2018 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Mrs. Burks was born in Stella (Giles County), Tennessee and was a daughter of the late William Clyde and Willard Rachel Harwell Bass. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Brenton Burks, Sr. who died in 2003; a sister, Elinor Joyce Davis; and a brother, William “Billy” Bass.

Mrs. Burks was a graduate of Prospect High School, Martin College and Middle Tennessee State University. Following her graduation, she began her teaching career and retired after 31 years of service teaching business and serving as a guidance counselor at Community School in Unionville, TN. She was a member of Amazing Grace Community Church and the former Unionville United Methodist Church, where she served both as church pianist. Mrs. Burks was a member of the Eastern Star, United Methodist Women and the Unionville FCE Club. She was a friend to many and enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, and traveling.

Mrs. Burks is survived by her daughter, Gloria Anne (James) Crick, Wartrace, TN; sons, Thomas B. (Jeannie) Burks, Jr., Unionville, TN, Larry H. (Ruth) Burks, Cookeville, TN, Richard B. (Elisa) Burks, Murfreesboro, TN; grandchildren, Tracey Burks, David (Ashleigh) Burks, Trina (Chris) Stinson, Jonathan (Jillian) Howison, Laura (Jeff) Neal, Carol (Jason) Stout, Nathan (Lauren) Burks, Rachel (Matthew) Grubb, Alyson Burks, Blaine Burks, Alice Burks, Thomas Burks, Jonathan Burks, Audrey Burks; seventeen great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; sisters-in-law, Amy Jo Burks, Sue Bass; several nieces and nephews.

Family members will receive friends on Thursday, March 1, 2018 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Lawrence Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am on Friday, March 2, 2018 from the chapel of Lawrence Funeral Home with Bro. Mike Hannah and Rev. Jimmy Sorrells officiating. Burial will follow in Unionville Cemetery.

Blaine Burks, David Burks, Jonathan Burks, Thomas Burks, Matt Grubb, Nathan Burks and Jason Stout will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Amazing Grace Community Church, c/o Bro. Mike Hannah, P. O. Box 22, Unionville, TN 37180 or Community School Alumni Association, c/o Renee Yoes, 985 Longview Road, Unionville, TN 37180.