Viola Mae Thurman Burnette

Viola Mae Thurman Burnette, 92, of Concord, Virginia, formerly of Gladys, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, in the presence of her family. She was born on October 5, 1930, in Hellbend, Virginia, to Carrie Rice Thurman and John Thurman. She is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Curtis Burnette; her son, Dennis Duane Burnette; son-in-law, David M. Morgan; brothers and sisters, Leroy Thurman, Duval Thurman, Garnett Thurman, John Thurman, Virgie Passoa, Jane Poindexter, and Opal Richardson. She is survived by her daughters, Tara Morgan, Tica Wake (Neil); daughter-in-law, Anita Burnette; grandchildren, Danielle Wingfield (Danny), Maegan Thompson (Brandon), Morgan Ward (Caleb Johnson), Anna Burnette, Kaleb Wake, and Tambria Wake; great grandchildren, Delaney Wingfield, Ellis Johnson, Reese Johnson, Beckett Thompson and Chandler Thompson; sister-in-law, Louise E. Philips. Viola married Curtis Burnette on April 15, 1950. She worked at Nationwide Insurance and Lane Company until she became a homemaker with the births of her children. She was an active housewife, despite her mother's fear that she didn't know how to cook, raising her children and ensuring they kept busy with music lessons, school, clubs, and church. She was a dedicated member of Kedron Baptist church where she participated in Ennis Dotson's Sunday school class, taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school, and was a part of the flower committee. She loved reading, traveling, a good sale, the "General Hospital" soap opera (aka: "her stories"), all types of music, and singing. She was a member in the Gladys GoodTimers and loved performing for others. Once moving to Concord, she became involved with the Concord Senior Center and enjoyed going on day trips with them. Every Saturday you could find her scouring yard sales and estate sales. She could never pass up a good deal. She enjoyed all manner of sports and would have been invaluable in any fantasy football league. Her dedication to her family was beyond parallel. After raising her children, she helped raise her grandchildren and even her great grandchildren up until the time of her death. She would read to them, teach them card games, and sing to them. She took joy in sharing things with them that brought happiness into the world. All of her grandchildren became avid readers, singers, musicians, dedicated church members, philanthropists, and travelers due in part to the large impact she had on their lives. Amongst her family she was lovingly referred to as the Lieutenant for her ability to get everyone in line and tell them exactly what needed to get done. She was so good at organizing events that she was able to organize her last day on earth to be the same as her first. The family would like to thank everyone who has visited, prayed, sent cards and/or food, sat with them, and called them. Family night will be on Friday, October 14, 2022, from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. at Finch & Finch, 124 Flynn St., Gladys, VA 24554. Her life will be celebrated at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Kedron Baptist Church, 7862 Brookneal Hwy., Gladys, VA 24554, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kedron Baptist Church.

Viola Mae Thurman Burnette

October 5, 1930 - October 5, 2022