Betty Jean Tukes

Edwards Small Mortuary announces with our deepest sympathy the passing of Betty Jean Tukes on November 20, 2024.  Our sincere condolences to the family and friends. 

Betty Jean Tukes was born in Crawford County, Georgia on April 3, 1947, to the parentage of Frank Bakon, Sr. and Cora Mae Bakon who preceded her in death.

 She received her education from Crawford County Comprehensive High School. Upon graduation she met and married the love of her life, Lonnie Lee Tukes. Betty was also a member of the Pineview Church of Roberta, Georgia. 

 Betty Jean was a person who never stopped learning and as proof of her yearning to learn, she chose to work in different fields: her first job was in manufacturing at Bibb Plant, later she became a licensed Child Care Provider. She became so passionate about caring for young children that she opened her own day care center, Betty’s Little Learners Day Care. She cared so much for the children she served until she never worked in any other field.

 Betty retired years ago from Betty’s Little Learners Day Care where she dedicated her life to serving and caring for children.

 Her favorite past times included: reading, fishing, going to the movies and simply being around family and friends. 

 Betty entered eternal rest on November 20th, 2024, at her home. She is preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie Lee Tukes; brother, Frank Bakon, Jr and sister, Mattie Mae Tripp.

 She leaves to cherish her memories, her beloved son, Kirk Willis (Bonnie); sister, Dora Lee Willis; sisters-in-law, Annelle Dennis; Susie Ingram (Bernard); brother-in-law, Leon Tukes (Phyllis); nieces: Tracy Lance, Melinda Tripp and her daughters; devoted nephew, Leonard Willis, better known as “Good Buddy”; dedicated family members: Ernestine Tukes and Stephanie Tukes who often checked on her. She is also survived by her God Children, “The Browns.” Rev. Bobby and Mrs. Flora Brown asked her to be the God Mother to their three children and she loved them as if they were her own. She accepted not only the Brown children as her God Children, but she was also God Mother to the Brown’s grandchildren. Additionally, Betty leaves precious memories to the Pine View Baptist Church family, along with a host of other family members and friends.