Betty Burrus

Our beloved mother and grandmother (aka G-Ma, Legendary, Teacher Grandma Ms. Betty), Betty Howard Burrus passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the age of 80. Her final days were filled with joyous visits from her kids, grandchildren, and friends. We spent the last days sharing stories and making her smile.

Betty was born in Pearland, TX on August 28, 1943. Betty was the heart of our family. We had many family get-togethers at her house that usually consisted of the most amazing fried chicken you have ever had and enough leftovers to feed an army. These cherished moments were filled with lots of love and so much laughter.  She loved to spend her time reading, crocheting, and watching old Westerns. Betty raised four children (Melinda, John, Jeff, and Joe), mostly on her own. At times, she worked three jobs to put food on the table. She was best known for her work in the childcare industry where everyone called her Ms. Betty. She was an avid sports fan, especially when it came to the Astros, Texans, and Rockets.  Betty’s love extended to her 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She often hosted “Camp Legendary” for the grandchildren.  She was known to have an opinion that always started with “I don’t know why..” but at the same time had a heart of gold and loved her family unconditionally. She was immensely proud of her children and made sure everyone knew. She treated her daughters-in-law and son-in-law as if they were her own children. We all proclaimed to be her favorite. She was loved deeply and will be missed by all.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Marcus Gay and Floye Margueritte Howard, her twin sisters Marilyn and Carolyn, and Marilyn’s husband Clarence. Betty’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by her daughter Melinda and husband Tom, John and wife Traci, Jeff and wife Jerie, Joe and wife Michelle, brother Milton and wife Claudia, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

There will be a gathering on April 20, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Marrs-Jones Funeral Home in Smithville, TX