Katie J. Swafford Burleson

Katie J. (Swafford) Burleson of Baird passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at the age of 88.

Born on November 6th, 1933 in Rowden, Texas to John and Lillie Ann (Brasher) Swafford. Katie was the youngest out of 6 brothers and sisters. She attended school in Rowden but graduated from Baird High School. After moving to Baird, she met and married Forrest F.L. “Sonny” Burleson. They had 3 beautiful children who they adored. Katie wrote “Katie’s Korner” for the Baird Star Newspaper for some time then moved on to work as a realtor in Abilene. She also worked and retired from the Callahan Co. Nutrition Project for many years. Katie enjoyed basketball, football, golfing, and getting her hair done by her daughter. Above all things, Katie loved to dress up and be with her family.

Katie is survived by: son Jeff Burleson of Baird; grandchildren John and Melanie Adkins of Baird, Christy and Ramey Burke of McKinney, Kathleen Jenkins of Dallas, Haley Nicole Watson of Abilene; son-in-law Johnny Adkins of Eula; great grandchildren: Austin Adkins of Baird and Lilly Kate Burke of McKinney; several nieces and nephews; and many wonderful friends.

In addition to her parents, Katie was preceded in death by her brothers Carlos, Leon, Alvin, Leonard, her sisters Flora C. Gibbs and Ruby “Nita” J. Rawson. Along with her daughters, Leonna K. Adkins and Terri “tk” Jenkins.

Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, February 11, 2022, at Parker-Jacobs Funeral Home, 141 E. 3rd in Baird.  Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Ross Cemetery Annex, with Jimmy Hatcher officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Katie’s name to the Homestead Nursing Home in Baird.

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