Betty (Lear) Burkhamer, a resident of McKinney, Texas, passed away March 17, 2025 at the age of 95. She was born on April 18, 1929, to her loving parents, J. D. Lear and Alice (Pritchett) Lear in Heyburn, Oklahoma. Betty and her family grew up in the oil fields of Illinois, where her father worked.
Betty met the love of her life, John Louis Burkhamer, and they celebrated their love and commitment to each other on their wedding day, March 4, 1955. In her early years, Betty worked at Bartlett-Collins Glass factory where she developed a strong work ethic and appreciation for craftmanship. Her experiences there persuaded her to make the transition to beauty school - a more creative, people-oriented career. For the next forty years, Betty owned and operated Betty’s Beauty Shoppe in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, building a lasting presence in her community, where people gathered to connect, share stories, and make long-lasting friendships.
Betty and John loved to square-dance, and Betty was proud to be the wife of an amazing Square-Dancing caller. Raising their daughter Linda brought such happiness and great memories over the years. Betty was a woman of deep Christian faith, and attended Frisco Bible Church in Frisco, Texas. Betty loved to nurture her family and actively assisted in helping raise Tami (Granddaughter) and Cydney (Great Granddaughter) as they grew up. Betty kept the family focused and always put on a great spread for family celebrations. She often showed love by feeding everyone in her house! In her later years, Betty helped Jeff and Linda in their small art glass business.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Linda Dolby and husband Jeff, of McKinney, Texas; granddaughter, Tami El Habachi and husband Ahmed, of McKinney, Texas; great granddaughter, Cydney Covey, of McKinney, Texas; brother, R. L. Bullock and wife Kathy, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, and niece Debbie (Burkhamer) Stubblefield and husband Larry, and a host of extended family members and friends, who will fondly cherish her memory.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, J. D. and Alice Lear, beloved husband, John Louis Burkhamer, sister, Billie Finney (Jack), and brother, Richard Lear.