Betty Jean Edwards

Born Asheville, NC 11/12/1931, Jeannie passed away peacefully in her home in Denver on September 27, 2022.

Jeanne is preceded in death by her parents Chester and Fanny Dillingham Burgess, son Neal Burleson, husband Dale T Edwards and granddaughter Tasha Burleson. She is survived by loving daughters Beverly Burleson and Joan Burleson (Jim Mulligan), step-sister Barbara Hostetler (Joe) and many beloved kinfolk in Alaska, North Carolina, and elsewhere.

Jeanne began her automotive accounting career in North Carolina. Leaving her ancestral home in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Jeanne moved to Anchorage, Alaska in 1965. She earned her degree in accounting, and worked at the Chrysler Dealership on Fifth Avenue for over 30 years, advancing from bookkeeper to CFO. She was a devout Christian, a fierce defender of women’s rights, and a true Alaskan pioneer. Active in Faith Baptist Church for many years, she also volunteered on many boards and commissions, serving as President of the Alaska ASWA and its National Board, and was on the board of the Anchorage Senior Activity Center. She was named Soroptomist International Woman of the Year. She was Treasurer of the Alaska State Automobile Dealers Association, Head of Finance for the Anchorage Better Business Bureau, and volunteered with the Small Business Association to mentor new business owners. She moved to Denver to be near family in 2014.

Faced with a tragic assault in 1973, she displayed monumental courage, overcoming immense physical pain to shine a beacon of light on everyone around her.  Jeanne endured repeated surgeries, but her unshakable faith in God and deep love of family saw her through.

Jeannie was kind, generous and witty, and kept her family and friends in stitches. Her ability to see the good in people, to forgive and overcome personal hardship was extraordinary. Despite unexpected adversity, she and Dale travelled the world; their love story was an inspiration. She enjoyed fun times in Hawaii each year with her dear friends and second family in the Makaha Valley Community.

Jeannie’s humor, vitality and unique charm will be greatly missed by her family, her many friends and admirers… Aloha!

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Anchorage Senior Activity Center, 1300 E 19th Ave, Anchorage AK 99501. Cards: PO Box 200462, Denver CO 80220.