Betty Gail Burchell

Betty Gail Burchell, 80, entered her heavenly home on April 7, 2026. She was a wife, mother, mamaw, friend and Christian. She was a lifelong member of Valley Grove Baptist Church, and a member of the New Beginnings Sunday School Class. Betty’s main career was raising her children. After her children were grown, she worked at the Ft. Sanders Child Enrichment Center. She later worked at Rainbow Acres Adult Home.

Throughout the years, she traveled on many mission trips to both Brooklyn, New York, and New Orleans, Louisiana. She also did volunteer work with the Appalachian Outreach Ministry. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren. Her favorite activities were tending to her flowers, shopping, taking day trips, and sharing big family meals. She also loved to spend time with her family and attend all of the grandchildren’s activities. Over the last 2 years, Betty attended Howard Circle of Friends day program for Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients. She called it her “favorite job”. That program meant a great deal to her and enriched her life deeply.

Betty is preceded in death by her daughter Melanie Jo Burchell, son Christopher Conly Burchell, parents Elmer and Onia Johnson, and sister Debbie Cobble.

She is survived and will be greatly missed by her husband of 62 years, Melvin Burchell, her daughter Leigh Ann Kirkwood and husband David, their children Callie Kirkwood, Abbie Molinar and husband Gabriel, and Reese Kirkwood and Jaden Hollyfield, son Michael Burchell and wife Tennga,and their children Catalina Gordon and Ethan Burchell. The family would like to thank Amedisys hospice for the love and care that they have shown during this time. Betty will be so incredibly missed by her family, friends, caretakers, and peers.

A Visitation will be held on April 10, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with the Funeral Service immediately following at 7:00pm. Services will be held in the Magnolia Chapel of Berry Highland South Funeral Home , 9010 E. Simpson Rd, Knoxville, TN 37920.

Family and friends will gather at 10:45am for an 11:00 am on April 11, 2026 for a Graveside Service at Valley Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, 9000 Sevierville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920.