Bethany Burkes Obituary

Our beloved mother, Bethany Lynn Burkes of Brandon, MS., passed away peacefully at the age of 66, on January 16, 2026. Born April 12, 1959 to Gilbert and Connie Burkes. Originally from Clinton, MS., Bethany was incredibly involved in school activities and always made friends easily; she was athletic, both a cheerleader and a basketball player; she always said the only reason she was a cheerleader was because they wouldn’t let her play football; she was also in concert choir, as she loved music and singing. Accolades of hers to mention: Runner Up in the 1976 Junior Miss Pageant, member of the Beta Club and Bicentennial Maid 1976 City of Clinton.

Bethany was a gifted artist, great cook; loved all things patriotic, held a lifelong career in retail management and was a friend to everyone she encountered; her contagious laugh and radiant smile lit up every room she stepped foot in. Bethany loved her family fiercely and would do anything to protect them. Anyone who knew her, knew of her passion for sports; she had such a vast and impressive knowledge, that many affectionately called her, “The Baseball Lady” It was no wonder why she worked in Mississippi Braves stadium all those years. More than anything else, she was a die-hard Ole Miss fan; her favorite teams by far are all Rebels, of course. Hotty Toddy, Beth! Going to games will never be the same without her but she will always be there with us in spirit. We cannot wait to see her smile and hear her laugh again.

Bethany is survived by her three children, Jason M. DiGrazia of Brandon, MS., Josh M. DiGrazia of Panama City, FL. and Jennifer N. DiGrazia of Nashville, TN., her two grandchildren, Gavin and Adelynn, her mother, Connie Burkes Watters of Brandon, MS. and her three siblings, Lisa Dyess of Carson, MS., Teresa Gray of Cartersville, GA. and Del Watters of Morton, MS., as well as a host of nieces and nephews and “crazy Swayze”, her six year old schnauzer.

A service will be held for Bethany at her church on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at The Venue at Crossgates Baptist Church in Brandon, MS. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 3:15 p.m. We invite friends and loved ones to join us as we celebrate Bethany’s life on Earth and as we rejoice knowing she is now with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in Paradise, where she has been reunited with both of her daddies, Gilbert Burkes (biological) and Larry Watters (stepfather), her Mamaw and Papaw Burkes, her Uncle Mike and her first schnauzer Dexter; she has been missing them all so much!

In lieu of traditional attire, we request that attendees please wear Ole Miss colors, which are navy, powder blue, white, and red.