Betty Jo Burchett Kennedy

Lovingly went into her Saviors arms Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at home in Rockwall, TX with daughter, Robin, holding her hand. She passed away from complications of lung cancer. She was 83 years old. Betty was born April 22, 1933, in Greenville, Texas where she grew up & attended schools in Centerpoint and Greenville, Texas. She earned her GED in 1972.

Betty is survived by two daughters - Vicky Parnell & husband Lloyd of Arlington, TX and Robin & Victor Markle of Forney, TX. Also step-son Mike Kennedy & wife Kathy of Dallas, TX and step-daughter, Brenda Kennedy & husband Stephen of McKinney, TX. Four grandchildren: Christopher Parnell of Dallas, TX, Kelley Parnell Daniel & husband Doug of Fort Worth, TX, Jason Markle & wife Nicki of Gwinn, Michigan, Jeremy Markle & wife Joann of Bossier City, Louisiana. Two step grandchildren, Justin Kennedy of Frisco, TX and Ashley Glass of Garland, TX. Nine Great Grandchildren: Jonathan, Tyler, Emily, Collin, Rebecca, Jordan & Madison Markle and Kylie & Bailey Daniel, and one sister Bonnie Ligon of Forney, TX, and numerous nieces & nephews.

In 1947, at the age of 14, Betty made a public profession of faith by receiving the free gift of eternal life, at a tent revival at Webb Hill Baptist Church. She was baptized in a stock tank close to the church by Bro. Rudd. Betty married William Tanton in 1948 and moved to Houston. Then moved from Houston to Mesquite in the early 50's. Betty & William have two daughters, Vicky & Robin. She was a loving, stay at home mom while raising her girls.

Betty started working outside of the home at Western Electric in Mesquite in 1969. She wanted to better herself so she moved to a position with AT&T/Lucent Technologies in Mesquite in 1971, where she won many awards and certificates for outstanding work. She retired after twenty years of service.

Betty married Clarence Kennedy on June 18, 1996 and moved to Rockwall, TX. It was his passing, the day after Valentine's day of this year, that she never quite recovered from.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Rockwall and past president of the Martha Bible Study Class. Throughout her life she has taught the Bible to all ages, from 3 year old preschoolers, to senior adults. She also served on committees in Women's Missionary endeavors.

A favorite statement: "No matter how trying the times or how far in the world, you always come back stronger to the Lord".

Her favorite quote: "There is no hole too deep that God isn't deeper still". Corrie Ten Boon.