Mrs. Willie Mae Burnett

Willie Mae (Ragland) Burnett was born on October 17, 1936 in Tuscumbia, Alabama, to the late Lorenzo and Rosie Ragland. She was reared in a loving home that prioritized a Christian lifestyle and she accepted Christ as her personal Savior. Willie Burnett was a student in the Tuscumbia Public School system and participated on the high school track team and yearbook staff. Willie, often referred to as, "Judy" was extremely artistic, organized, and an intuitive thinker. At an early age, she was designing and sewing her own clothes and entered the work force. Willie graduated from Trehelm High School in 1953. Shortly after graduation, the Ragland family moved to Inkster, Michigan. Always industrious, Willie sought new opportunities and began working in a restaurant. While working with her sister-in-law Hazel Ragland, she met the love of her life, Franklin D. Burnett, a soldier in the U.S. Army. Franklin fell head over heels for her; however, her elder sister, Rosie always said he fell head over heels for her (Rosie) as Willie was passing Rosie's cooking off as her own. Several years later in Michigan, Willie married Franklin in 1957. In 1959, Willie and Franklin had their first son, Franklin D. Burnett II. He was Willie's heart. The young family traveled throughout the states due to Franklins military assignment, In 1961, Willie had her second child, a daughter, Andree A. Burnett in Jackson, MS. Willie was a loving and caring wife and an amazing mother. She was no stranger to muti-tasking as she was a competent and an efficient worker no matter the job. Willie was creative and a true visionary with a unique style and a discerning eye for fashion. She functioned as Room Mother (class), Den Mother (Scouts), Team Mother (Sports) and she participated in many auxiliaries and committees on the military bases. Willie's world travels included Europe, Frankfort, Germany, London, England; Paris, France; Okinawa, Japan, and probably had been in 40 of 50 states. Her youngest son, Ive P. Burnett was born in 1964 in Munich, Germany. After her husband retired, the family settled in Fannin, Mississippi in 1973. She never slowed down and eagerly became engaged in the community and a member of Greater New Truelight Baptist Church. She worked as the church Treasurer, over-seeing Vacation Bible School, the children's Christmas program, and Christmas Eve's Candle Light services. As she was committed to embracing new opportunities, Willie started working for Trustmark Bank as a Teller. She excelled in her role and played an instrumental role in supporting all Trustmark Bank branches/locations. She was a diligent and faithful worker, but ended her career in banking to become a caretaker for her mother. Willie was the anchor and backbone of the family. She supported her husband in his adventures of hunting, fishing, and nurturing and guiding her children along with her husband though years of art classes, sporting events, and occasional pageants. They were happily married for 44 years until his death on August 26, 2001. Willie was the youngest of 8 children and was preceded in death by 5 brothers, (Robert, Lorenzo, Mitt, James, and Willie Jean Ragland), and 2 sisters, Bettie Tripp and Rosie L. Moon. She leaves, with the fondest of memories her children, Franklin D. Burnett II(Tracy), Andree Burnett(Valerie); her precious grandchildren, 6 boys and 1 girl, Franklin D. Burnett III, Rickey Burnett, Ive Young (Marlena), Austin Burnett, Morgan Burnett Norman (Joshua), Emery Young (Kambria), Ive P. Burnett II, Dylan Burnett (Amanda), and 6 great grandchildren, Braiden Armstrong, Aubreielle Abraham, Roman Young, Neil Norman, Elliotte Norman, and Emeri Young. Willie Mae Burnett passed quietly and peacefully from grace to glory, January 15, 2024 at her residence, where she resided for 51 years. She reared her children and grandchildren with loving care, support, and high expectations. She was a remarkable woman that lived a blessed life that added value to her community and all that knew her. She departed this life into the waiting arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in the sure and certain knowledge that she will reign with him in Eternity. We celebrate her life and legacy with great joy and pride knowing; she fought a good fight, finished her course, and transitioned to heaven. This is not goodbye, but see you later until we meet again.

Mrs. Willie Mae Burnett

October 17, 1936 - January 15, 2024