Bettie Jane Burdette

Bettie J. Burdette, 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at Bellaire at Devonshire in Scott Depot. She was surrounded by her loving family and devoted cat Juanita. Bettie was born on March 5, 1924 in Pittsburgh, PA, the third child of Erma (Harmon) and Maurice A'Hearn. At the age of 5 years, she moved with her family to Charleston, WV, then briefly in Spring Hill, WV before settling in St. Albans, her hometown of 60 years. She was a graduate of St Albans High School and entered into Marshall University but her education was interrupted by World War II. Bettie completed her nursing training at the Charleston General School of Nursing. She also spent time in training in the Nurse Cadet Corps in Staten Island, NY during the war. On March 7, 1947 she married her husband of 47 years, William P. (Bill) Burdette, who also happened to be her former teacher at SAHS! Bettie's professional career was quite diverse, including working in the Operating Room and Emergency Room at Thomas Memorial Hospital, a long period as Instructor at the Charleston General School of Nursing where she touched the lives of many young and aspiring nurses. She then joined the staff at Charleston Memorial Hospital and later served as the Surveillance Nurse there. Bettie ultimately retired as Director of Nursing at the Charleston Area Medical Center- Memorial Division. Despite being an "Administrator", she insisted on wearing her Nurse Whites to work, cap included, and was often seen out on the floors checking on everyone and offering to assist wherever needed. She again touched and influenced the careers of many nurses, young and old, some who still are practicing today. Bettie was the consummate nurse. She gave of herself and was always willing to help anyone in need of her care. She was essentially the Florence Nightingale of the St Albans community. Whether regularly administering Vitamin B12 shots to a neighbor and friend, changing post-operative bandages at homes, or as one of the first at home end of life care providers for her community, Bettie was always willing to help and, of course, never expecting nor asking for payment. Bettie had a quiet disposition but a very strong will which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. She showed them her love not by repeated hugs and kisses but rather by a steady presence, support and advice. Oh yes, and a whole lot of wonderful meals including Thanksgiving Feasts, Sunday Morning Biscuits and her famous Apple Pie! She will surely be remembered by a large portion of the St Albans Community and all of the kids of the 60's, 70's and 80's who came around the neighborhood. Her love and devotion to her husband was strong and lasting as they raised a family of six children. Through her husband's final illness, she was the best nurse and caregiver he ever had! While we shall never hear again from her voice the many stories of growing up on her Grandfather's farm in Putnam County to all of her nurse and doctor anecdotes, these will forever emanate from us whenever we are together and bring joy and laughter to all. Bettie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill and her two sisters, Catherine and Maria, with whom she was very close. She is survived by daughters, Jane Burdette of St Albans, Elizabeth (Todd) Ware of Morgantown and sons W.P. "Bill" Jr (Lena) Burdette of Huntington, John (Sandy) Burdette of Southport, NC, Robert "Little" (Betty) Burdette of Pawley’s Island, SC and Joe (Denise) Burdette of St Albans. She and Bill have fifteen grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to Bettie's favorite services: Christ Kitchen Food Pantry, 419 B Street, St. Albans, WV 25177 or The Coal River Group, PO Box 363, St Albans, WV 25177 A scholarship, the Bettie J. Burdette, RN Nursing Scholarship, has been established at the West Virginia University School of Nursing-Charleston Division. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, April 22, 2018 at Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, St. Albans. Burial will be in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. Friends may visit with the family from 12:00 to 2:00 pm Sunday prior to the funeral service. You may visit Bettie’s tribute page at chapmanfuneralhomes.com to share memories or condolences with the family. Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, family owned and located at 409 Sixth Ave., St. Albans is honored to serve the Burdette family.

Bettie Jane Burdette

March 5, 1924 - April 18, 2018