Rebecca Burnette Dufour

A Celebration of Life for Becky DuFour will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 1:00 pm on the University of Lynchburg Campus. The ceremony will be in the Hall Campus Center Memorial Ballroom with a reception immediately following in the West Room of the Drysdale Student Center.

Rebecca “Becky” Burnette DuFour, 57, of Evington, died on Tuesday, July 10 of a traumatic brain injury following a fall on June 27. Becky was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Rick DuFour, and her parents Charles Russell Burnette & Pearl Winebarger Burnette of Rustburg. Becky is survived by her daughter Hannah Treadway and her husband Brandon, son Matthew DuFour and his wife Kristin, grandsons Sam and Lee Treadway, and one other grandson expected to be born next month. Becky also leaves behind her sister Dana Goetz, sister Susan Jennings and her husband Jim, and brother Russ Burnette; Aunts Geraldine “Jerry” Burnette, Kathleen “Pete” Burnette, and Helen Harvey; nieces and nephews Jenni Nystrom (Scott), Courtney Bennett (Johnathan), Emily Thompson (Kenny), Laura Chandler (Tim), Allison Jordan (Jeff), Drew Burnette (Alex), and Zach Burnette; and a host of beloved in-laws, cousins, and great nieces & nephews.

Becky was a renowned educational author and consultant. During her nearly four-decade-long career in education, she served as a public-school educator and administrator. She co-authored 12 titles, including the best-selling Learning by Doing: A Handbook for Professional Learning Communities at Work™ and wrote numerous articles on the topic of education. During her tenure as principal at Boones Mill Elementary School in Franklin County, Becky helped her school earn state and national recognition as a Model Professional Learning Community. She received the Evelyn P. Bickham Outstanding Undergraduate Alumni Award from the University of Lynchburg (Lynchburg College) in 2008 and was serving on the board of trustees for the University of Lynchburg. Becky consulted with professional organizations, schools, districts, universities and departments of education around the United States and the world. Her commitment to improving the lives of children by helping educators ensure high levels of learning for all students was unwavering.

Becky had many talents and interests outside of her career. She was a gifted pianist, though humble about this ability. She typically only played for family members, but had provided accompaniment for last year’s  St. Andrew Presbyterian Christmas program. She was an avid tennis player and enjoyed playing with friends & family at least once a week. She enjoyed attending local theater and music events, and spending time with her family and close friends.

Becky’s professional accomplishments and talents, though impressive, were no match for her capacity for love, empathy, and generosity. She gave selflessly of her time and resources to friends, family, and a multitude of charities and organizations. She was a compassionate friend and mentor to countless. Every life touched by Becky’s was left better. Most notably, she was the best mother and grandmother. She relished in the time spent with her grandsons reading books, playing games, taking walks, playing outside, making art projects, singing songs, and just spending quality time together. She loved her children and grandchildren unconditionally and was a constant source of love, support, and encouragement.

Becky lived a life marked by strength, integrity, selfless giving, and love. Her loss will be deeply felt by many.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made to the University of Lynchburg for the Burnette Family Achievement & Persistence Scholarship Fund at 1501 Lakeside Drive Lynchburg, VA 24501; or to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church at 21206 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.

 

 

View Tribute Video