Betty M. Burns Barber
1931-2015
Betty Marcilene Burns Barber, age 84 passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, July 5th, 2015, surrounded by her loving family. Betty was born May 4th, 1931 in Irondale, Alabama. She was the youngest of fifteen children born to Samuel E. and Mary Bates Burns. In 1948, Betty met and married her soul mate, Herman Barber and together they moved to Edmond, OK where they established their home and raised four children.
Beyond serving her family, Betty served her God as a long time member of the Church of God of Prophecy. She faithfully served as a missionary leader, a Sunday school teacher, and a youth leader. She loved to travel, and after Herman's retirement, they bought a motor home, and traveled together across the United States. When her Alzheimer's advanced, they came back to Edmond to live out their lives close to family and friends.
Betty never met a stranger and was loved by all. Those who knew her said she was an inspiration and that her laughter would light up any room. She loved spreading happiness and would never pass a baby or dog without stopping to offer a sweet compliment. She truly loved her family and was happiest when they were all together.
Betty is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 67 years, all of her siblings, her loving son, Donnie Barber, as well as, her son-in-law, James Heltcel. She is survived by her children, Cecelia Heltcel of Edmond; Marilyn and husband Jimmie Priest of Edmond; Jerry Barber and wife Patsy of Bartlesville; daughter-in law, Kathy Barber of Duncan; sister-in-law Helen Henderson of Edmond, and eleven grandchildren and twenty-three great-grandchildren. Betty is further survived by an abundance of family and friends.
The family wishes to thank the staff from Home Care Assistance, especially Faith Hunt, and Crossroads Hospice for their wonderful care and support.
Betty leaves behind a legacy of love and many cherished memories.
Visitation will be held beginning at Noon on Wednesday, July 8
th
with family greeting friends from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 9, 2015 at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery.
