Betty Carol Burnett

Born in Trenton, North Carolina, in Jones County, Betty attended New Bern High School, where she was a cheerleader and voted Best Dressed. She graduated from Meredith College and remained a lifelong supporter of her alma mater.

While raising three sons, she balanced the joys and demands of family life with a deep commitment to education. She spent all but two years of her 33-year teaching career in Atlanta, where she taught grades one through eight and was beloved by students, parents, and colleagues alike. Years later, it was not uncommon for former students to approach her in a store to introduce themselves and share stories of the lasting impact she had made on their lives.

In Atlanta, her partners in mischief were her dear friends Brenda and Becky. The three were known to gather for lunches at little cafés where quiet conversations often dissolved into waves of laughter.

In retirement, she and her beloved husband Bob returned to New Bern, where she rekindled old friendships and formed many new ones. She treasured her time with the Motley Sunday School Class at Garber Church and cherished the friendship of Sandy, Paula, and Marsha.

A lifelong reader, she found great joy in books throughout her life. Known for her warm spirit and infectious smile, she was admired and loved by all who knew her for her kindness and generosity. Above all, she loved her family and treasured every moment spent with them.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Dollie Kellum; her brothers, Danny Kellum and David Kellum; and her son, Kyn Anthony.

She is survived by her husband, Robert “Bob” Burnett; her sons, Joseph Anthony and Steven Anthony (Cathy); her grandchildren, Ashton Kessler (John), Alexis Anthony, Cole Anthony, and Cort Anthony; her brother, Norman Kellum Jr. (Ruth); her nieces, Beth Spano (Daniel) and Catherine Keenhold (Craig); her grandnieces, Sophia Spano, Matteson Keenhold, and Kate Keenhold; and her stepsons, Robert Burnett (Caroline), Jeffrey Burnett, and Lawrence Burnett.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Garber United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Garber United Methodist Church.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Betty Carol Burnett.