Betty Louise Burnette

Betty L. Burnette, 98, was born at home in Monroe County, TN and passed away Tuesday, August 30, 2016. She graduated in 1942 from Knoxville School of Beauty while working as a waitress at night. She began her hairdresser career at the Pioneer Beauty Shop. In 1952 she was instrumental in establishing the Tennessee Chapter of the National Cosmetology Association. She was selected to coiffure hair styles for the movie stars when the “Bad Seed” was filmed in Townsend. She once styled the looks of the popular Bob Hope show when it came to Knoxville. She also styled several Miss Tennessee beauty winners for their audiences. In 1954, she opened her own shop named Chez Charme “House of Beauty” at the corner of Gay and Church Street. Later she moved her shop to the Empire Building on Market and Church and changed the name to Betty Burnette’s Beauty Studio. The equipment from that shop was donated to Fulton High School to help in the establishment of the cosmetology and beauty school. Betty was also active in the Knoxville community. She was committee chairman of the Toast Mistress Club, member of the YMCA, member of the National Hairdressers and Cosmetologist Association, and member of the Pilot Club. She was a charter member of the Knoxville Hairdressers and Cosmetologist Association where she served two terms as president. She has been cited by WATE Channel 6 of Knoxville for her work on behalf of the Heart Fund, her assistance to disabled children’s programs, her welfare work for the underprivileged people in this area, and her work for the council for the blind. She was a member of Second United Methodist Church for over 60 years. She is survived by her only child, Phillip W. Burnette and wife Alice; two grandsons, Mike and his wife Tracy, Mark Burnette and his wife Amy; three great granddaughter, Payton, Madison, and Emma. Special thanks to caregivers, Bronwyn Henley and the staff at Oakwood Assisted Living. Receiving of friends, Friday 12:00pm until 2:00pm at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, and funeral service at 2:00 pm. with Rev. M.C. Taylor officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com.