Deniece Edwards Burnette

Mrs. Deniece Edwards Burnette, 86, of Oak Level passed away Friday, January 29, 2016. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dewey Spencer Edwards and Willie Claude Edwards of Endicott; her son, Paul Wesley Burnette, Roanoke; and sister, Reva E. Goode, Rocky Mount. Mrs. Burnette was employed for 35 years with E. I. Dupont Co. in Martinsville. She retired as a supervisor in 1985. While at Dupont she made many friends who came to regard her as a confidante and loyal pal. Her telephone rang constantly with friends and relatives calling with well-wishes and to receive her advice on a variety of subjects. She responded with kind words, sparkling wit and an occasional dose of down-home truth she fondly referred to as ‘jerking a knot in your tail.’ She brought validation and encouragement to those who knew her and unconditional acceptance to those she loved. Mrs. Burnette was a member of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. It was very evident in the many family dinner prayers she led that despite her failing health she felt truly blessed by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She leaves behind many who will cherish her memory. Her husband, John Paul Burnette of the home. Daughter-in-law, Melanie Mason Burnette, Roanoke. Her beloved grandson, Matthew Mason Burnette, Roanoke, whose nickname for her she proudly displayed on her license plate, ‘MtsMimi’; two special nieces, Lisa Whitlock, Rocky Mount and Sheree Whitlock, Rustburg; sisters-in-law, Alice Gourley, Henry Va., Irene Burnett, Ferrum, Eva Burnett, Altavista and brother-in-law, Edward Goode, Rocky Mount; special family friends, Frances Sink, Ferrum, Betsey and James Brumfield, Oak Level; and many other special nieces, nephews and friends. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church c/o Corvin Weddle, 2300 McNeil Mill Road, Rocky Mount, VA 24151 or to the charity of your choice. Funeral services will be conducted from Conner-Bowman Funeral Home Chapel, 2:00 PM Sunday, January 31, 2016 with Pastor Gus Segovia officiating. Interment will be private. The Family will receive friends two hours prior to the service from 12:00 – 2:00 PM at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151…540-334-5151