Betty Jane Burton

BJ Burton, born July 29, 1946 graduated from this world June 2, 2009.
BJ worked her way up from X-Ray Tech to Asst Dir of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at Hendrick Medical Center where she served for 29 years. While at Hendrick, BJ completed her Bachelor’s Degree. She was an excellent manager. She could demonstrate the kindness of the most loving caregiver to patients, while also juggling human relations issues between staff, Radiologists and Administration. She excelled in Science and Mathematics, eventually earning her Nuclear Medicine Certificate, a feat of which she was most proud.

She was very close to a special group of friends who acted as an extended family. They include Alice Ann Phillips, Nancy Bander, Linda Pinkston, Linda Holmes, Susan Watkins, Susie Stock, Faye Smith, Judi Chaney, Sheila & Mike Warren, Randy Clouse, Marty Anderson, Butch Brannon, Gary Norman and Wade Grissom.

In the earlier years they traveled extensively and hosted dinner parties together. Two of her favorite things! During her illness they provided all kinds of assistance from dog sitting her beloved Snuffy to providing home cooked meals, grocery shopping, all manner of errands, taking her to Dallas to see Doctors, visiting her in Hospital in both Abilene and Lubbock, and most importantly, moral and spiritual support. The kindnesses of these friends will never be forgotten.

One of the highlights of her life was meeting one of her favorite chefs, Jacques Pepin. In Aspen, at the Food and Wine Extravaganza in June 2007. Her brother-in-law wheeled her chair around 180 degrees and there she was, not 12 feet away from Jacques! He immediately noticed her and shook her hand. She was so excited she looked as though she might cry! They exchanged pleasantries and went on their way. The next day, BJ having earned early entrance into Chef Pepin’s cooking show (one benefit of being in a wheelchair), was sitting in the aisle and Jacques Pepin walked right up to her as if they were old friends. He brought over his latest cookbook and began showing BJ pictures of him and his daughter, Claudine cooking together when Claudine was 3 years old and another picture of him and his granddaughter cooking with him when she was also three.

She was very thoughtful, gave great gifts and could have decorated for Southern Living.

Heartfelt thanks to her Hospice Nurses, particularly Carrie and her Social Worker, Peggy for helping her to graduate surrounded by love and kindness. Eighteen to 20 friends and family including Gary Hendrix and Julie McLeod showed up within hours of a phone call to show support and give their love. No one could have asked for a better send off. Thank you! From her father and hero, Joe Burton, from Mollie Burton, Ruth and Bob Kimbrough, Bonnie Burton, Tom Burton, Sherry Burton, Maggi Burton, Ken Warner, Louise and Al Sheard and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Thank you to her faithful caregivers: Sophie Pena, Edward and Linda Castillo, Heidi Garcia, Becky Pena and Tomasa Lopez, the staff of Hendrick Medical Center and local firefighters and paramedics for their many kindnesses. Thanks also to the faithful Priests who routinely visited her in Hospital and administered last rites.

No formal services at BJ’s request. A celebration of her life will be scheduled in Abilene later this summer.

Donations can be made to Hendrick Hospice, PO Box 1922, Abilene, 79604-9938.