Betty Mae Burgess

Ms. Betty Burgess passed away peacefully June 30, 2025, at Brighton Gardens after an extended illness.

Betty was born on October 4, 1951, in Sheffield, Alabama, to James Velvin Burgess and Myra Mabel Black Burgess. She grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, and graduated from Walt Whitman High School in 1969. She later attended Salem College and graduated with a degree in art history.

Betty was an early adopter of computing and started working with computer coding in 1970. She worked in computer technology at Emory University, Georgia State University, and Wake Forest University.

Until her illness, Betty was an active member of Highland Presbyterian Church and especially enjoyed participating in the handbell choir.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her partner, Herbert Lynn Harris.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Katie Benson (Eric) and “grandtwins” Asa and Emily, her sister Mary Burgess Bland (Gary Freeman), nephews Michael Bland (Ashley) and Matthew Bland (Melina), and extended family and friends.

Betty will be remembered for her quick wit, devotion to family genealogy, love of arts and crafts, and enjoyment of plants and gardening.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 10:00am in the chapel at Highland Presbyterian Church.

The family will receive visitors following the service.

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is serving the family.