Betty Jo Hodges Burcalow

She was born in Junction, Texas on July 25, 1925 to Esther and Thomas Hodges. Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Billie A. Burcalow, her son, Robert Wayne Burcalow, and her brother, Thomas Hodges. She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Burcalow Phillips and son-in-law Charles Phillips. Betty’s grandchildren include Kristin Phillips Roland and husband, Matthew, Charles “Bryan” Phillips and wife, Myra, Thomas Burkleaux, Anne Burkleaux, Billie Burcalow, and Erin Burcalow. Her great grandchildren include Luke Roland, Colby Phillips, and Sloane Phillips.

Betty and her late husband, Billie Burcalow, worked side by side for most of their married life in many tool businesses. Betty was a member of First Methodist Church in Sugar Land, Texas.

Betty enjoyed her life with great spirit and laughter. She was always known for being a joke teller. She served on many civic club boards and was very active with the Fort Bend County Republican Women. Betty was the president of many garden clubs in Houston and Sugar Land and was a master gardener. She brought many dead plants to life in her greenhouse. Betty’s passion was to travel the world and see all of the beautiful flowers in so many countries. Betty and her husband were also avid bowlers their entire marriage.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at the Abbey where Betty has lived for 2 years. Charmayne Goodluck and Traci Henry from the Abbey have been so helpful and comforting in the final years of her life. Betty really enjoyed talking and visiting with her wonderful caretakers, Renata Slater, Sharon McIntyre, Deloris Chaney, and Diana Adams. Of course, we cannot forget Steven Nastasi who brought Betty many smiles and much needed laughter. Visitation for family and friends will be at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079 on Friday, July 22, 2011, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Betty’s services to celebrate her life will be held at Memorial Oaks on Saturday, July 23, 2011, at 12:30 p.m. Honorary pallbearers include: Jon Cawthon, Ronald Brown, George Cela, Jones Robertson, Larry Reed, E.J. Chromcak, Jan Archer and Jack Gronberg.

For those desiring donations, please consider Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030 or The Ronald McDonald House, 1907 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, Texas 77030 in memory of Betty Jo Burcalow.