of Wynne, AR
August 13, 1918 - June 1, 2021
Mary June Booker Burnett of Wynne, Ark., died in Tulsa, Okla., on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at the age of 102. She and her twin brother, Buddy, were born in Jonesboro, AR., on August 13, 1918, to parents Jesse Isom and Elta Seivert Booker.
Mary June grew up in Jonesboro and was a 1936 graduate of Jonesboro High School. After graduating from Arkansas State in 1940 with a degree in history, she taught for a year in a one-room schoolhouse in Roe, Ark. As neither teaching nor rural living were her calling, she moved to Wynne in August 1941, to work for the Farm Security Administration. In Wynne, she met Roland Burnett, a local pharmacist and owner of Burnett Drug Co.
During World War II, Mary June moved back to Jonesboro and worked for the Internal Revenue Service to stay with her parents while her younger brother, George, was away in the Army, but in 1947 she married Roland and returned to Wynne. There they raised their family and operated Burnett Drug Co. for more than 40 years, during which time they opened the first Hallmark Thoughtfulness Shop in eastern Arkansas.
Mary June was devoted to her family and to the First United Methodist Church in Wynne, where she was a longtime Sunday school teacher, board member, and tireless kitchen volunteer. She was active in Girl Scouts, led several downtown Wynne improvement and beautification projects, and directed a renovation of her beloved Giboney-Robertson-Stewart House, which resulted in its placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Roland; her twin brother, Max Seivert "Buddy" Booker, who died of polio when they were eight; and her brother, George W. Booker.
Mary June is survived by four children, Anne Burnett Darnaby of Little Rock; Dr. Charles R. Burnett, Jr. (Susan) of Germantown, Tenn.; Nancy Booker Burnett of Tulsa; and Robert Isom Burnett (Vicki) of Little Rock; six grandchildren, Kathleen Burnett Ligon of Austin, Texas; Charles R. Burnett, III and Matthew A. Burnett, both of Memphis, Tenn; John W. Burnett of Austin, and Jesse B. Burnett and James R. Burnett of Little Rock; and three great-grandchildren, Virginia, Lillian and June Ligon.
Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at Cogbill Cemetery in Wynne, Arkansas with her nephew, Reverend J. E. Wadkins officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Wynne First United Methodist Church or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.
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8 Condolence(s)
Kelly Carter
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
I am very sorry for the family’s loss. Mrs. Burnett was the most AMAZING woman I have ever met. I had the pleasure of working for her ( just help with house and keep company) she showed me what the simplest things added to everyday decor can make a huge difference. She taught me that the only thing that could keep you from doing what you want is simply yourself. She never complained and I do believe I took her to the dentist for her first real toothache! (age 94) she had a nervous tick every time we went to the dentist. It was so cute. She was amazing and will be missed.
Julia Massey Thomas
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Nancy,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a very special lady. I wish I could have been at the reception. I would love to see you.
Love,
Massey
Jerre Fisher
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Mary June was a unique lady. We agreed on all the important things (politics) and we just loved talking with her. She raised a wonderful family and we miss them all when we drive by their house. Condolences to everyone.
Roger and Jerre Fisher
Sharon Fallis Midkiff
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Dear Nancy, Charlie, Robert and Ann,
Our deepest sympathies at the loss of your mother. She was such a strong woman. Her family and her church were so important to her! We send our prayers to you all for comfort and peace.
Much love,
Sharon and James Midkiff
Needra Davis Sisson
Monday, June 7, 2021
Ann, Charlie, Nancy, & Robert - so sorry for your loss. She was such a special lady - my thoughts & prayers are with your family during this time. ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»
Jerri Jo Rose Tackett
Sunday, June 6, 2021
Ann, Charlie, Nancy, & Robert.... I am very sorry for your loss of Mary June. She was such a kind and thoughtful neighbor to Mom. The 3 of us enjoyed our visits when I was in town. May you find peace and comfort during this time.
Mary Craig Caruthers
Sunday, June 6, 2021
I am grateful for Mary June and her wonderful sense of humor. I also loved the way she was really good looking in her elder years. Lots of love to all the Burnetts!
P Susan Burnett
Saturday, June 5, 2021
Our last matriarch! Such wonderful memories of the yellow house and Thanksgiving festivities.