Bille Jean Burkhead

BILLIE JEAN BURKHEAD, 83, went to be with the Lord while surrounded by her family on May 30, 2013. She was born to Robert Lee and Neva Pearl Collins of Batesville, Ark. on Nov. 15, 1929. Mrs. Burkhead is predeceased by her parents and in 1989 by her husband of fifty-one years, John Carlis Burkhead (Johnny). Together Mr. and Mrs. Burkhead operated dairy farms in the Sylvania Community near Cabot, Ark. and later in the Floyd Community between Rosebud and Romance in White County. Mrs. Burkhead also worked as a Quality Control Technician and retired from Remington Arms Munitions plant in Lonoke, Ark. Upon Mr. Burkhead's death, Mrs. Burkhead fulfilled a life-long dream to attend college. She attained her AA degree at ASU-Beebe, followed by obtaining her certification with the American Dental Association at Pulaski Technical Collage in North Little Rock. She enjoyed an exciting eight years until age 71, working full time as a dental assistant for Dr. Nickol of Little Rock then the Drs. Jolley of Little Rock and North Little Rock. She was a mentor to all and a valued and favorite employee. Over the years and into her final retirement, Mrs. Burkhead moved to Jacksonville. She spent her free time with family and friends, traveling throughout the country. She also enjoyed producing and teaching ceramics until she fell and moved to Robinson Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in North Little Rock in late 2010. With her usual positive outlook, she embraced this new chapter in her life, making close friends and developing new interests and skills. She was crowned "Mrs. Robinson Rehab and Nursing Center" and served as president of the Residents Association. Mrs. Burkhead is survived by her children: Shelia Chue of San Diego, Calif., John Paul Burkhead of North Little Rock, Ark., Robert Franklin Burkhead of Cape May Courthouse, N.J., and Melinda Jean Burkhead of Aransas Pass, Texas. She is also survived by her cousin and sister-at-heart, June Guyot Adams of Conway. She leaves a legacy of nine living and one deceased grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry her memory with them always. A viewing will be held at Arkansas Funeral Care at 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Ark. on Monday, June 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with services and burial at Sylvania Presbyterian Church, 2419 Arkansas Hwy. 321 N., Ward, Ark. in the Sylvania Community east of Cabot, on Tuesday, June 4 at 11 a.m. If you wish, donations to Sylvania Presbyterian Church or Sylvan Hills Community Church at 8019 Arkansas Hwy. 107, Sherwood, Ark. may be made in lieu of flowers. To those who had the opportunity to meet and know Billie as the "Sweetest Lady", she will remain in our hearts and be missed by ALL. To sign her guestbook, please visit www.arkansasfuneralcare.com Arrangements made by Arkansas Funeral Care.