Dorothy Betty Burgess

Dorothy Elizabeth Huffman Burgess, \"Betty\" to all of her family and friends, received God\'s Grace on July 23, 2015. Services honoring her will be held on Sunday July 26, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. at Rose-Neath in Mansfield. The family will receive family and friends at Rose-Neath on Saturday, July 25, 2015 beginning at 5:00 P/M. Betty was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, February 15, 1920 to Chester C. Huffman and Dorothy Caldwell Huffman. They moved to Shreveport, La. in 1926, where Betty graduated from C.E. Byrd High School. She received B.A. and B.S. degrees from Texas State College for Women; a M.S. degree from Louisiana State University; and did post graduate work at Leland Stanford University, where she was a doctoral candidate in Health Education and a teaching assistant in corrective physical education classes. She taught one year at Northwestern State College and for five years at Louisiana State University. After moving to Mansfield she taught at Mansfield High School until retiring in 1976. Judge Jack Edward Burgess and Dorothy Elizabeth Huffman were married in 1946, when he returned from service to complete his law degree at L.S.U. In the DeSoto Parish Schools she taught physical education, civics and world history; and was sponsor of the MHS Pep Squad from 1959 to 1974. She was president of the DeSoto Parish Teacher\'s Association, of Delta Kappa Gamma Society and honored by membership in the Blue Blue Violet. She was an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Mansfield where she taught Sunday School for older youth and adults. She also served on the Division of Women\'s Concerns and the Division of Pastoral Care of the Presbytery of the Pines. Other community services include: organizing the DeSoto General Hospital Auxiliary in 1976 and serving as its first president. She was a member of the DeSoto General Hospital Association and on the Board of the DeSoto General Hospital Foundation. Other activities include the United Way of DeSoto, the Forum, and the Historical Society, the Women\'s Department Club, Louisiana Blood Bank, Friends of the Library, Mental Health Association, Vo-Tech Advisory Board, and DeSoto Parish Retired Teachers Association. Dorothy H. Burgess was selected First Lady of the Year in 1982 by Beta Sigma Phi, recognition given to encourage active community service. She was chair person of DeSoto Parish Court House Renovation Committee 1995-2004. Betty loved her community and church and was a believer in service to others. She will be missed by many who had the honor of sharing in her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, King, and her husband, Judge Jack E. Burgess, She is survived by her children; Eva Colvin and husband Bill, Sue Burgess, and Judge Robert E. Burgess; Grandchildren; Jeni, Don, Emily, Zach, Melissa, Jeff, Patrick, Dan, Michael, Allyson, Claire, Mark, Rhys, and Chase; Great Grandchildren; Abbie, Seth, Trevor, Brady, Michelle, James, Addison and Hadley. Nieces and Nephews: David Huffman and wife Grame; Tommy Burgess and wife Gail; Hope Sanford and husband John; Margaret Billingsley and husband Charlie; Patricia Pratt and husband Gene and a host of great nieces, nephews and beloved cousins together with countless friends that she treasured. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the management and staff at Montclair Park ,and especially Renee Matheny, who all gave her such loving care. Above all we wish to thank special friend and family member, Stacey Marks, who gave extra special love, care and kindness to Betty and the family. Pall Bearers will be Michael Donalson, Jeff Ward, Patrick Donalson, Mark McGee, Rhys Burgess and Jeff Heard. In lieu of flowers, Betty and we would ask that you simply love and serve God first; live and love the life God grants you; and serve others. Consider planting a flower or tree as she loved them so. Memorial suggestions are First Presbyterian Church Mansfield or any charitable organization. Know that she and we cherish each of you.