Born on October 6, 1948 at Kindley Air Force Base in Bermuda, Barbara was raised by her loving parents Col. Bernard J. Burkett and Helen Reidy Burkett, who preceded her in death.
She is survived by her older brother, B.G. “Jug” Burkett; her younger sister, Betsy Burkett McCann; her nephew Ryan K. “Mac” McCann; her nephew Reid C. McCann and his wife Lauren McCann and their daughter Maddie McCann; her niece Katherine Burkett Hammond and her husband Mike Hammond and their son Leo Hammond; and her beloved God Daughter Samantha Houston Husby. Additionally, she’s survived by many friends, with whom she loved to travel.
Passionate about learning and teaching, the University of Arkansas grad was often found devouring one of the countless novels she always had on hand. She held a variety of administrative management roles throughout her career, but was especially fond of her days teaching elementary school at St. Rita’s Catholic Community. While her family and friends are devastated by her loss, we are confident that her Catholic faith has led her to a better place.
Due to current circumstances, an in-person memorial will not be held, but any and all donations to the Wounded Warrior Project in her honor would be greatly appreciated, as supporting veterans was always important to her.
Babs’ iconic “like ya, love ya” phrase wasn’t just words of endearment—it was how she lived her life. Barbara, we like ya and love ya forever. Rest in Peace.