Betty Arlene Burks Shand received her crown on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

She was born on May 8, 1937, in Middletown, Va, to Sadie and Mitchell Burks. She was the twelfth of thirteen siblings. Her one surviving sibling is Maggie Grimes of Cleveland, Oh.

Betty spent her early years in Middletown, Va, where she attended Rosenwald School in Stephens City, Va, and Douglass School in Winchester, Va. She completed her high school years in Cleveland, oh, before returning to Winchester, Va, in 1955. Later in life, she married Uklin Shand, and they shared over 30 years of a loving and devoted marriage until his passing in 2013.

Betty was a faithful and dedicated member of St. Paul AME Church, where she served on the Missionary Board, sang in the Senior Choir, and was active in the Culinary Ministry. She was a woman of remarkable strength and deep faith. Betty was well known for her delicious pies, quick wit and humor, caring heart, and her unwavering love for her family and for God.

She was truly a pillar of the community. If she was not organizing, she was helping individuals or families during their time of need. Betty loved people, and she was deeply loved by all who knew her.

She leaves to cherish her memory of one son, Keith Burks of Ann Arbor, Mi; two daughters, Vanessa Burks Jackson (James) of Winchester, Va, and Donnette Shand of Bronx, NY; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Betty was preceded in death by her siblings; Virginia, Ann, Irene, Catherine, Mitchell, Mary Jane, Charles, Floyd (also known as AB), Hazel, Kenny, and Bobby; her son Jeffery Burks; and her beloved husband Uklin Shand.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., following a 10:00 a.m. visitation, on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Winchester, Virginia, with Rev. Kevin Wilson officiating.

Interment will be at Orrick Cemetery in Winchester, Virginia.

"Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord."

— Matthew 25:23

Ministry of Comfort Entrusted to
Cartwright Funeral Home
Winchester, VA
cartwrightfuneralhome.com