Betty Burns of Heavener, Oklahoma was born October 1, 1939 in Page, Oklahoma to J.E. and Mary E. (Jackson) Brown and passed away surrounded by family and friends on December 8, 2023 in Heavener, Oklahoma at the age of 84.
She is survived by:
One son:
Marcus Burns and wife Kimberly of Fayetteville, Arkansas
Two grandchildren:
Anthony and Emily Burns both of Fayetteville, Arkansas
Two sisters:
Dorthy Steelman of Heavener, Oklahoma
Corene Moody of Heavener, Oklahoma
One brother-in-law:
Marvin Morrison of the Haw Creek Community
Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loved ones, and a host of many friends
She was preceded in death by her parents Jim and Mary Brown; her husband Norris Burns; her companion Gilly Robinson; two grandchildren Aiden and Kimber Burns; two brothers Baby Boy Brown and J.T. Brown; five sisters Mozell Johnson and husband Grady, Maureen May and husband Junior, Bonnie Gillham and husband Bud, Laverne Doyle and husband Vernon, and Geneva Morrison; two brothers-in-law Chief Steelman and Bobby Moody; and four nephews Roger Steelman, Mitchell May, Gary Gillham, and Eddie Gillham.
Betty was a life-long resident of the area and a 1957 graduate of Heavener High School. She attended Mellies School of Cosmetology in Fort Smith. Betty was a founding member of the Trinity Baptist Church at its current location on Creek Street.
She loved the outdoors, especially working in her yard, and won Heaveners "Yard of the Week" award multiple times. She created the 3 Bs Park in an area just North of her current residence, in memory of her late Husband and Grandchildren, filling it with many areas of comfort and interest in order to offer her hospitality to those she loved.
Betty loved the outdoors, life, and people. She participated in Sr. Athletics, including basketball and track. She won several medals in track, including races as long as 5K, and once completed a half-marathon in her 70s. She was also a member and player for the Oklahoma Classics Basketball team. The team traveled all over the country playing in tournaments and won several honors, including the 1999 National Championship.
She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Her smile could light up the room. Betty will be missed by all who loved and knew her.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 11, 2023 at the Trinity Baptist Church in Heavener, Oklahoma with Reverend Paul Puckett and Reverend Jeff Beshears officiating. Burial will follow in Heavener Memorial Park under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.
Pallbearers will be: Steve Hembree, Brad Morris, Leroy Nolan, Ron Tucker, Craig Olive, Gary Youree, and James McMillan.
Viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday and 9:00 a.m. until Noon, Monday, with the family visiting with friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home.




Visitation
Sunday, December 10, 2023
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel
710 U.S. HWY 270
Heavener, OK 74937
Funeral Service
Monday, December 11, 2023
2:00 PM
Trinity Baptist Church
601 Creek Street
Heavener, OK 74937