Jerry Jo Burkett

She was a beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many. We mourn this temporary separation but celebrate the love and life she shared with us.

Jerry was born on November 26, 1934, to Joe and Nannette Mitchell in Durant, OK. Her family moved to Wills Point, TX, when she was in elementary school. She graduated from Wills Point High School, where she led the band as the drum majorette.

She began her life-long travels by attending Randolph Macon College for her freshman year, then transferred to the University of Texas. She was a quick study, graduating college in just 3 years and obtaining degrees in Education and Geology. After graduating, she moved to Dreux, France, to teach history to seniors at an American High School. Being so close in age to her student required a level of strictness that earned her the nickname Mussolini Mitchell.

While in France, Jerry met the love of her life, Delmar Burkett – a handsome, but very young-looking Iowa farm boy serving in the Air Force. Delmar will tell you about one of his first visits to her when she thought he might be one of her high school students. They married on June 6, 1959, and together, they nurtured two children, Mike and Kelly. While Del served in the Air Force, they lived in more than 30 homes in 5 countries, including France, Japan, the Philippines, Germany, and the US. This year, they celebrated 65 years of marriage.

She left the teaching profession to be a full-time mom to Mike and Kelly and the home CEO. In this role, she prioritized relationships, including ensuring that her family sat down together for dinners on most nights. She never stopped teaching us about parenting, marriage, and friendship with her words and actions.

Jerry cherished spending time with family and friends, especially visiting her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jerry found the greatest joy in working behind the scenes nurturing others. She had a natural gift of hospitality. Jerry and Del faithfully enjoyed the community and fellowship at the First Presbyterian Church in various cities, including North Austin, Salt Lake City, and Georgetown. She hosted circle groups and volunteered with Meals on Wheels and the Caring Place.

Jerry was a lifetime learner. She was known for her love of reading, including her tenacious engagement with Bible Study Fellowship. She enjoyed playing bridge with her friends. She sought opportunities to volunteer throughout her life. Her civic involvement included Alumni Leadership with Zeta Tau Alpha, the Austin Ballet Guild, and Fiesta Laguna Gloria for Arts.

Despite facing memory challenges the last few years, Jerry's sense of humor and kindheartedness remained intact. Her caregivers often remarked about how sweet and positive she was. Even as dementia took its toll, music became her spark. She’d sing along with a smile, knowing almost all the words, and her feet and hands would move in rhythm, like she was dancing again.

Jerry is survived by her husband Delmar (Georgetown, TX), sister Patsy Mitchell (Hideaway, TX), son Mike Burkett and wife Chris (Burnet, TX), daughter Kelly Adams (Seattle, WA), grandson James Burkett and wife Courtney (Dallas, TX), granddaughter Carrie Schneider and husband Andy (Austin, TX), grandsons Tristan and Tyler Adams (Seattle, WA), as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and countless long-time friends.

Her Celebration of Life service will be held online for friends and family. Memorials may be made to East Lake Fellowship, 13218 Ranch Rd 2341, Burnet, TX 78611, or some organization supporting Memory Care near Georgetown, TX.