Betty Jo Burks was born in Avalon, Ellis County, Texas on March 21, 1931, to Otis and Buna (Carter) Guthrie. Betty graduated from Italy High School in 1948, and from Durham Business College, Fort Worth, Texas in 1949.

In 1953, Betty married Bobby Smyth Jackson in Italy, Texas. They made their home at Milford, Texas. They had two sons, Ancel Jefferson Jackson and Bobby Smyth Jackson II. Bobby Senior preceded his wife in death March 5, 1957.

Betty began her employment career in the Fort Worth/Dallas, Texas, area working for various companies as a private secretary. Betty was known for her secretarial skills and was noted for her quality of work. During her career, she worked for Kenneth Murchison & Company, Dallas; First Presbyterian Church, Carlisle Chevrolet, Blankenbeckler Insurance, and Ellis County Savings and Loan, Waxahachie, Texas.

On August 16, 1958, Betty married Everett Kendal Burks in Waxahachie, Texas. The couple made their home in Waxahachie. They had one son, Everett Kendal Burks II.

Kendal Senior preceded his wife in death on April 23, 1992.

Betty enjoyed her family and friends and attending her children's sporting events. She enjoyed reading, watching major league baseball and football games, and attending frequent luncheons with her cherished high school friends.

Betty is survived by her sons: Jeff Jackson and life partner, Tara Jensen of Hewitt, Texas; Bobby Jackson II and wife, Nancy of Blooming Grove, Texas; Ken Burks II and life partner, Dyann Atkins of Waxahachie, Texas, and stepdaughter, Laurie Burks of Dallas, Texas. Also surviving are four grandchildren: BJ Jackson and wife, Jaime, of Lindale, Texas ; Jacob Jackson of Waxahachie, Texas; Dr. Kendall Helene Burks, of Boston, Mass.; Heath Autrey and wife, Whittney, of Corsicana, Texas; and four great grandchildren: Liam Jackson of Lindale, Texas; Hunter Autrey, Ty Autrey, and Easton Autrey of Corsicana, Texas. Also surviving is sister, Carol Lineback of Casper, WY. and numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her father and mother, her husbands, her sister, Patsy Ruth Berrier, brothers-in-law, Russell L. Berrier, Charles B. Leffler and William D. Lineback and daughter-in-law, Cathy Burks.

Graveside Service will be held at 10:00am, Friday, August 21, 2026, at Lakeview Memorial Cemetery.

A private family reception will follow.

Waxahachie Funeral Home will be handling all service and burial details.