Betty Burnett

Obituary For Betty Burnett

Betty J. Burnett was born to the late Mamie Cunningham in Lancaster, South Carolina.

During her working career, she was a Press Operator and was employed by the Rose Family Cleaners.

Betty was a kind, humble, softly spoken woman with a gentle soul. She valued her family and friends and cherished spending quality time with them. She especially enjoyed family trips and creating memories with the people she loved.

Faith was an important part of Betty’s life. She looked forward to Sunday morning services, where she could hear a good word from her late pastor, D.R. Gilmore, and listen to the men’s choir sing. She taught her children about God from an early age, as well as the importance of cherishing time, fully living, laughing, giving, and always finding the good in all they do and say.

She was affectionately known by many special nicknames, including “Number One,” “Betty Boo,” and “Bertha Butt.” Each name carried its own special memory and reflected the love and closeness she shared with those around her.

Betty also had a love for music. Two of her favorite songs were “It’s Alright, It’s Okay” by Shirley Caesar and “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men. Over the years, she also became a Dallas Cowboys fan. One of her favorite sayings was, “I’m on your side until the end of the road.”

On August 6, 2026, Betty J. Burnett, peacefully left this world at Harrisburg Hospital in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of memories, laughter, love, fun, and a generous spirit that touched countless lives. Betty held a special bond with each of her loved ones and will forever be remembered for the love she shared with her family and friends.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Burnett, Sr.; her two sons, Edward Burnett and Curtis Cornelius; her two grandsons, Lionel Burnett and Joseph Wesley Seegers, Jr.; her brother, Wayne Cunningham; her grandmother, Mary Jackson; her two sons-in-law, Terrence Smith and Lonnie Chism; her beloved sister-in-law, Barbara Burnett, “Tootie” and her stepson, Henry Burnett.

She leaves to cherish precious memories and carry on her legacy of love, her five children, Michelle Smith, Barbara Chism, Kimberly Davenport (Raymond), Richard Burnett (Toni) and Corey Burnett (Christal); her three stepchildren, Michelle Washington (Thomas) of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Anthony Hankerson of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania and Ronald Hankerson (Cheryl) of McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania; her loving aunt and sister, Janie McArthur of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; her brother-in-law, Edward Wade; her godson, Larry Staff; her siblings, Lloyd Cunningham of Blufftonwood, South Carolina, Darryl Cunningham (Peggy) of Lancaster, South Carolina; Claire Allison (Mel) of Buffalo, New York, Ida Cunningham (Willie) of Lancaster, South Carolina, Lorraine Patterson of Charlotte, North Carolina, Macy Cunningham of Charlotte, North Carolina, Marilyn Cunningham (Gerard) of Lancaster, South Carolina, Debbie Henley of Johnston, South Carolina and Cheryl Wade of Lancaster, South Carolina; her 18 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Betty’s love, laughter, kindness, faith, and gentle spirit will remain in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her. Though she is no longer with us physically, the memories she created, the lessons she taught, and the love she gave will continue to live on through generations.

She was loved. She was cherished. And she will never be forgotten.

Her life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026 in the Sanctuary of Mt. Calvary Church of God in Christ, 1830 N. 5th Street, Harrisburg with viewing and visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and burial in William Howard Day Cemetery.

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