of Mt. Pleasant, AR
May 6, 1931 - March 31, 2024
Melba LoRita (Thornburg) Burnett, 92, of Mt. Pleasant passed away Sunday, March 31, 2024.
She was born May 6, 1931 in Joy, Texas to Clarence A Thornburg and Mildred (Smith) Thornburg.
LoRita was a member of Mount Pleasant Southern Baptist Church and the wife of a Southern Baptist Minister. She also taught Adult Sunday School, loved studying the Bible and was involved in Women's Mission activities. She was a Histotechnologist. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, knitting, bird watching, and flowers. She also loved working on family genealogy, Old Westerns and reading.
Survivors include her children, Leland Burnett (Kris), Clarence ''Jim'' Burnett (Gayle), David Burnett (Belinda), and Mary Qualls (Bruce); eleven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dr. Joe David Burnett; and two brothers, CE Thornburg and Wilton Thornburg ''Bud''.
Pallbearers will be her grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of Mt. Pleasant Southern Baptist Church.
Funeral services will begin at 10:00am Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Mt. Pleasant Southern Baptist Church with Bruce Qualls officiating. Burial will follow at Barren Fork Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00pm Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made in her honor to Arkansas Baptist Homes for Children, 9701 West Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205.
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9 Condolence(s)
Maxine martin
Thursday, April 4, 2024
I am LoRita’s cousin and I am so sorry to learn of her passing. I wish we hadn’t lived so far apart all these years and could have spent more time together. I love her and will miss her but will have good memories. My thoughts and prayers are with her loving family.
Connie L Johnson
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
A beautiful soul is now with the Heavenly Father. She will be missed. We will be reuntied some day and what joy there will be. She is now with her love. What joy. God's blessings on all.
Pat Wise
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Amidst your sadness though I know you are rejoicing that she is with her beloved Lord.
Phyllis Cunningham
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Blessings to this precious family. I met Joe and LoRita when LoRita was working at Skaggs Hospital in Branson. I knew immediately that I was among the Very Special people, Godly people who walk among us. They were a couple that lived a peaceful and kindly life. I truly enjoyed knowing them, and I'm certain they leave beautiful memories for their loving family.
Bill Yancey
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Praying for you all
Teresa Staggs
Monday, April 1, 2024
Mary, so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thought's and prayers.
Jon Thornburg
Monday, April 1, 2024
To my most loving aunt.
Renee Spurlock
Monday, April 1, 2024
Mary, so sorry to hear about your sweet Mom. You will be in my thoughts & prayers.
Cari Burnett
Monday, April 1, 2024
Grandma Rita was loved by so many! I’m thankful to have married into her family. She had a warm smile, an infectious laugh, and was always willing to sit and chat a while. She loved Jesus and made sure others knew that. We will miss her dearly but rejoice in the knowledge of seeing her again one day in heaven.