Betty Jean Barnes Burleson

Betty Jean Barnes Burleson, 84, of Gainesville, Florida, formally from Fort Pierce, Florida, and Boone, North Carolina, passed peacefully on Wednesday, April 26, 2017.

Betty was born on December 28, 1932 in Boone, North Carolina, to Jones Barnes and Gem Norris. She and her late husband, Kenneth Deryl Burleson, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary before his passing in July 1990.

Both Betty and Ken (Deryl) Burleson began their careers in 1957 as educators with St. Lucie County Schools. Mr. Burleson was principal of White City Elementary where Betty taught for many years. Betty continued to teach with the gifted program at Fairlawn Elementary and Lincoln Park Academy. She was truly loved by her students and admired by her colleagues throughout her more than 30 year career.

During retirement, Betty enjoyed collecting sea glass on the beautiful beaches of Fort Pierce, while watching the amazing nature surrounding her. Betty’s true passion was dancing at “The Village at Gainesville” every weekend with all her friends.

Betty will be missed dearly by her sons and their families.

Timothy Burleson and his wife, Cheryl of Fort Pierce and their children, Stephen Burleson and his wife, Brittany of Stuart, and Stephanie Burleson of Tallahassee, Florida.

Robert Burleson and his wife, Jill of Alachua, and their children, Daniel Burleson and his wife, Heather, and their son, Wyatt Burleson of Houston, Texas, and Sarah Ammerman and her husband, Mark, and their daughter, Colbie Ammerman of San Diego, California, and Joseph Burleson of Miami, Florida.

She is also survived by her brother Bobby Barnes of Lakeland, and sister Rubye (Thompson) Hayes, of Lake Helen.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at “The Summer Crush Winery” in Fort Pierce, Florida from 3:00pm – 5:00pm.