Bettye F. Burgess went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 25, 2026. She was born on April 24, 1938 to the late Freeman and Lillian Foster in Kathleen, Georgia, later moved where she lived in Perry, Georgia.
She graduated from Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Georgia. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education. She married William Cullen Burgess and moved to Newark, New Jersey where she had two children Jacqueline Burgess and Risele Bailey. Later raised her children in Fanwood, New Jersey. After retirement, she moved back to Perry, Georgia and started working for Padgett Accounting Firm before re-retiring.
Bettye was proceeded in death by her parents Freeman and Lillian Foster. Three sisters Lillian A. Foster (Bo), Lucille King and Helen Foster. Her Ex-husband William Cullen Burgess, bother-in-laws Robert Burgess, Allen Laidler and Jerome King.
She leaves to cherish her memory, Two daughters; Jacqueline Burgess, Risele Bailey (Paul), three grandchildren; Ayeshia Burgess, Nicole De Grooth (Luwe) and Jason Bailey, five great grandchildren; Kavon, Kiera, Kayon, Casper, Josephine and great-great grandchild Kh’zara. Three sister-in–laws; Carol Laidler, Mildred Laidler, and Helen Burgess, niece Angela King Brown (Delvin) and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, cousins Josephine Williams, Ernestine Williams, Lillian Black, and Catrell Milton along with a plethora of cousins.
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Such a wonderful friend and neighbor Bettye was to me for 16 years. We talked with each other every morning. She was one of a kind and I will surely miss her. My kids loved her too. RIP my friend til we meet again. Sympathy to her loved ones.
Bettye was my closest friend for over thirty years. She was always there for me through many times of sadness and loss. She was an encourager and ready to help whenever anyone needed help. Bettye loved God and served Him every day. Prayers and condolences to her loving family.
My sweet friend you will be missed so much. I'll miss our long conversations and our rides to deliver the homebound goodies. You were always a bright light for me when I was down and a great encourager to me. I'll see you again in Heaven.
Rip deepest sympathy so sorry for your loss from Sharon Bush and Charlie Bush or Sharon Katebee of Albany, Georgia
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