Betty Rose Burr

Betty was born in Plainview, Arkansas to the late Fenner and Ella Steward, both American-born of Irish immigrants. She was also predeceased by siblings Mabel (Roy) Brannon, Imogene (Fred) Montgomery, Helen (Hoover) Tilly, Bill (Margaret) Steward, Joe T. (Pauline) Steward, and Fenner Steward; as well as, in-laws, Delmar and Pauline Burr.

Betty’s imagination, determination and competitiveness were evident even in early childhood. She was the Play-for-Keeps “Marble Champ,” and eventually banned from the game at her school playground after amassing quite a collection of choice marbles -which she had, of course, won – “fair and square.”

Betty married her high school sweetheart, Gordon Burr, on August 29, 1954. The first seventeen years of their marriage Betty created a loving home for Gordon and their children, Randall and Sandra. She also worked as the secretary at Lakeshore Drive Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Birthday Girls Group for over 50 years (of the seven original members, four are still living). Betty and Gordon loved playing hosts for various social gatherings and Betty was known for her shrimp cocktail and barbecue sauce. Betty enjoyed travelling with family and friends, including trips to Ireland, Germany, and Hawaii. Her creativity and sense of fun were ever present.

In the early 1970,’s Betty finished college, obtained her teaching certificate, and began teaching at John L. McClellan High in Little Rock, Arkansas. Betty served as principal at J.A. Fair, Metropolitan Vocational Technical School and the Arkansas School for Math and Science from where she retired in 2001. Betty’s career as an educator was full of awards celebrating her teaching and devotion to her students.

Betty and Gordon began their honeymoon in Hot Springs- a honeymoon which lasted until they returned to Hot Springs to retire in a house they built on the lake.

Those who knew Betty knew, “the best wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend ever.” She will be missed most by her husband, Gordon Burr; son, Randall (June) Burr; daughter, Sandra Burr-Ryan; grandchildren Matthew and Angela Burr; sister-in-law, Carolyn Steward; dearest longtime friends, Jerry and Sue Newman; surrogate grandchildren Dickson, Cameron, and Lilibeth (children of very special friends, Richard and Ann Graham); many well-loved extended family members; as well as, many colleagues and students of whom Betty wrote:

“After my dear family, my third treasure and pleasure was my work with secondary and college students. These schools were my church…The school community provided purpose in work, inspiring students, social activities, great friendships, and great support. All put a smile on my face and hope in my heart.”