Betty Burkett Reese

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Betty Louise Burkett Reese on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Betty was the daughter of the late Eugene and Ethel Cooper Burkett. She touched the lives of many during her time here.

She was the devoted wife of the late Johnny Howard Reese and a proud mother to Allison Hilton, Pattie Crawford, and Christina Reese. As a grandmother, she cherished Candace Rebecca, Robert Michael, Reese Alexandria, AnnaBelle Jane, and Calee Elizabeth. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Ansleigh Grace, Elliot, Jedediah Banks, and Carolynn Grace.

Our sweet Momma has left this earth. Momma touched so many people throughout her life. Those who knew her, called her "Miss Betty" from her days at Miss Vicki's Daycare. Pattie Lewis, Christina Reese and I shared her with many other kids as we grew up. She was loved by many parents and their babies.

This portrait of "Miss Betty" is to show the other side of our mother that many did not see. Our mother was a talented artist, she painted with oil paints and camel hair brushes. Her oil paintings and portraits will be cherished as works of art. She also held a lost talent, that many never knew existed. She spent many years retouching thousands of high school senior pictures and family portraits by hand in the early 70's to the mid 80's across the South for well-known photographer Monarch and Burkes Studio. As kids we would watch her sit for days at a special desk, changing negatives with a series of pencils. Transforming blemishes and removing braces to create beauty by hand. She was the original "filter".

Momma was selfless, knew the Lord and His word, a dedicated wife and a mother, a loving grandmother (great) and lastly a highly skilled talent.

It was an honor to be blessed to have such a beautiful soul with such grace to call our "Momma".

Funeral plans will be announced.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC