Betty Ruth Lee

Betty Ruth Burge Lee, age 91, of Long Beach, passed away on August 24, 2024.

Betty is preceded in death by her beloved Robert E. Lee “Bobby Lee”; parents, Luther and Edmonia Wise Burge; siblings, Lucille Hall, Benita Daughdrill, J.L. Burge, Hurley D. Burge, Virginia Dell Davis, Clifton Burge, and Lottie Mae Bass; nieces, London Burge, and Carolyn Muriel May; nephews, Taylor Eugene Bass, and Michael David Bass.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Bea Burge; nieces and nephews, Charlotte Foster (Joe), Terry Daughdrill (Carol), R. Eugene Bass, M.D. (Lynda), Angela Mondello Bass, Susan Danenhower Bass, Timothy Burge, Roger Burge (Ellen), Warren Burge (Christy), and Rachell Richards (Bobby); many great nieces and nephews and great, great nieces and nephews; her faithful deacon, Christian Eaton and family; special friends, Dolly Williamson, Teresa Cleary, and Pam Latimer; and her pastor, LaRue Stephens.

Betty was born in Henleyfield, Mississippi on February 25, 1933. She was a graduate of William Carey College in the 1950s and began her teaching career in 1957. She was a legendary third-grade teacher, boasting 32 years of service in the Long Beach School District. Her former students remember her teaching with her broken leg propped on a garbage can or even standing on a desk in order to make a point. Former students were amazed that she could still remember their names.

She was devoted to her Lord and possessed an extensive knowledge of the Bible. She knew her savior. She also knew she was heaven-bound and would be in the presence of her Savior and reunited with the love of her life, Bobby Lee, as well as family, as she was the last of eight Burge brothers and sisters.

Truly a bright light has left us until we meet again.

A visitation will be on Thursday, August 29, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach. The funeral service will be at 10:00 am Friday, August 30, 2024 in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Gulf Pines Memorial Gardens.

The family asks that all memorial contributions be made to the First Baptist Church Long Beach Building Fund.