Betty Blakley McBurnett

Betty Blakley McBurnett, 82, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away July 24, 2023. She was born at home in Mabelvale, Arkansas to Carl and Lorene Martin. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 39 years, Searcy McBurnett, and her “second parents,” Crystal and Lucian Covington.

She is survived by her children, Cheri (Tony) Rogers, Jamey (Lisa) Blakley, Randy (Gymi) McBurnett, and Lynda (Jimmy) Rogers; grandchildren, Brooks (Katherine) Rogers, Chase (Mara) Blakley, Michael (Katherine) Rogers, Dylan Rogers, Loren (Jon) Marsh, McKenzie (Cole) Enderlin, and Ava McBurnett; three great-grandchildren; sister Carole Sue Shaffer and brother Bill Martin.

Betty graduated from Mabelvale High School and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She taught elementary school in the Benton school district for 36 years.

Betty loved to garden, and she loved art. She created watercolor and oil paintings for many years. She and Searcy loved to go to the theater.

Arrangements were handled by Smith Funeral Home of Little Rock. The family will have a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to one of Betty’s favorite charities: the Pulaski County Humane Society, KUAR/KLRE public radio or the Arkansas Foodbank.