of Little Rock, AR
June 28, 1951 - November 11, 2009
Nancy Eugenia Burnett, 58, of Little Rock, died suddenly on Wednesday, November 11, 2009. She was born in Conway, Arkansas on June 28, 1951 and was the only child of the late Eugene and Geneva McMillen Burnett.
After graduating from the University of Central Arkansas (then known as State College of Arkansas), Nancy taught English for twenty-eight years in the Little Rock School District, first at Parkview High School and then at Henderson Junior High. She cared deeply about her students and was an inspiration to them all.
Nancy is survived by her significant other and devoted companion of 15 years, Tim Naile; her special friends, Catherine Maple, Jim and Nena Batson, and Karen Johnson; her friend who was more like a sister, Janie Nesbitt Jones; her uncle, Thomas Burnett; a multitude of other cherished friends; and a host of relatives from both sides of her family, all of whom were very dear to her. She is also survived by her beloved calico cat, Hortense.
After her retirement from teaching, Nancy was involved in charitable causes, giving freely of her time and funds to help the elderly, the needy, and all the homeless animals that were lucky enough to cross her path. Though she loved dogs and other little critters, her home décor reflected a particular affinity for felines.
Nancy was a loyal supporter of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Travelers and had, in earlier years, enjoyed attending St. Louis Cardinals games with her father, who was often her ''cohort in crime.'' The two of them once felt sorry for a scraggly Christmas tree that no one else had wanted to buy, so they took it home, and using nails and Elmer's glue, made it the prettiest Christmas tree in town. Nancy was a great game player and excelled at Bingo and Clue and tested her luck many a time at the slot machines in Las Vegas and Tunica. She aced crossword puzzles on a daily basis, and with her deft touch, jigsaw puzzles became works of art. After meeting Tim, who is originally from Louisiana, Nancy became an enthusiastic fan of Cajun culture, especially Zydeco music. Zydecajun Wayne Toups rocked her world.
Nancy will be remembered for her innate good humor, her bright and capacious mind, and her compassion for those less fortunate. She was a beautiful soul with a kind heart and generous spirit. Her passing is a terrible loss for all those who knew her, and she is greatly missed.
A gathering of remembrance will be held for Nancy at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Conway on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. Her neighbor and friend, Rev. James Miller, will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society, the American Red Cross, and St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota.
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31 Condolence(s)
Jack Olsta
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
We at The Jack Olsta Co are all saddened at the loss of Nancy who along with Tim Naile has been a part of our extended family for many years.
Our prayers go out to all who will feel her loss.
Brandi Lewellen
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
I was quite saddened to hear of Ms. Burnett's passing. She will forever be one of those teachers that left an indelible mark on my heart. I feel as if I knew Hortense as much as we heard stories about her! I had planned on attending her services but will not be able to do so because I have patients that have to be seen. I thank God for teachers like Ms. Burnett, Mrs. Batson, Mr. Baker, etc. who took initiatives in challenging their students (and teaching us the word DISCOMBOBULATED). Rest in Peace, Ms. Burnett...
Martha Rains
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
My prayers are for Nancy and her family and friends. We will miss her. I also know that her special cat Hortense will miss her. Hortense came from us as a shelter kitten 18 years ago and Nancy loved her greatly.
Nancy had a great smile and was a kind soul. God bless her!
Lowell & Gwen Price
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
We will miss her coming to the lake with Tim to visit. Tim we deeply feel your loss. Let us know if we can do anything.
Kevin & Tracy Williams
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Nancy's father Eugene was one of my great uncles on my mom's side. My Grandpa Fred (Joseph) was one of her uncles, making my mom (Jan) Nancy's cousin. I believe I have only met Nancy one time in my life, I regret not knowing her better. She seemed like a pretty wonderful person by her obituary. Let's all remember to not focus on the sadness of her loss, but on the light and happy memories she left with us. May God bless Nancy with the eternal gift of Heaven.
Gayla Gwatney Lindsey
Monday, November 16, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I attended jr. high and high school with Nancy. I remember her as always beautiful and kind to everyone she met. I'm sure she is singing in Heaven . We ( in Christ ) will rejoice when we join her in Heaven . May God comfort you in your time of sorrow. Love in Christ, Gayla Gwatney Lindsey
Keith Wilson
Monday, November 16, 2009
My heart goes out to friends and family. Nancy was a wonderful person and I am honored to have known her.
Martha Sims Brown
Monday, November 16, 2009
My prayers are with all the family and friends of Nancy. We went to
school together and graduated together. She was such a beautiful
person. May God comfort your hearts. Martha
Judy Reynolds Henard
Monday, November 16, 2009
I was so saddened to receive the news about Nancy. After reading this beautiful obituary I am also sad that I lost touch with Nancy after our graduation in 1969. She was obiviously a wonderful and loving person. I know she will be missed.
Bryan Tribble
Monday, November 16, 2009
Mrs. Burnett was my 9th grade English teacher, and I'll always remember her fondly. She always dealt with my smart mouth gracefully, and she was always supportive. She promoted a rigorous academic environment but kept things lively, interesting and light-hearted with a lot of love for her students (and stories about her crazy cat!). I was crushed to see that she passed away - the world has lost a truly great person - but I know she's made an impact on the lives of a lot of people, including those of us who were lucky enough to be in her class.
Martha Rose Brickey And Mike and Michelle Minegar
Sunday, November 15, 2009
When I think of fond memories of you, Nancy, I think of our Las Vegas trips because you always enjoyed playing the slot machines like your Aunt Babe and me. I didn't know this, but Mike told me you were the one who taught him three cords on the guitar. We will miss you, and we love you.
Martha Rose Brickey
Mike and Michelle Minegar
Martha Brickey
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Cousin Nancy will be missed.
Rest In Peace
Martha, Mike and Michelle
Vickie Butler
Sunday, November 15, 2009
To Nancy's family and friends I want to send condolences. I went to Junior and Senior High School with Nancy and thought she was always kind. She will be missed.
Dennis Clark
Sunday, November 15, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. I was privileged to have known Nancy and graduate with her.
I know that even through times like this God can do amazing things. Nancy's family will certainly be in my prayers.
Rom 8:28
Ted & Kathy Price
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us everyday, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear. Nancy's time here touched many hearts, we will not forget her warm smile. Thankful for the 15 years we knew her.
Christy Scales Casillas
Sunday, November 15, 2009
To Nancy's family and friends,
I am really sad to hear of Nancy's death. I am a cousin on her mother's side of the family. I spent many a day and night at the Burnett's in Conway in our younger years. And my mother taught at Henderson Jr. High as well, in Home Economics. Nancy recently got in touch with me and my sisters, when my father died in June. She wrote the nicest sentiments and it warmed our hearts. My prayer for her friends and family is that they keep her alive in their hearts, and are comforted in knowing that she touched MANY throughout the years. May God bless you all. Christy Scales Casillas
Geoff Dunaway
Sunday, November 15, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss of a very inspiring , caring and talented lady.. Our prayers are with you at this time of great loss Geoffrey Dunaway
Susie Carter Wiggins
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Nancy and I were friends through elementary, junior and senior high school and her death saddens me greatly. May God's healing mercies be with her family and friends, now and always.
Delores Rutter Morris
Sunday, November 15, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about Ms. Burnett passing. I offer my deepest sympathy to her family and friends. She was my teacher at Henderson around 1988. I do remember her being a sweet person, bubbly, funny, and caring. I recognized her immediately in the paper this morning. Her personality had to be memorable for me to remember her after all these years and out of so many teachers. I know she will be missed.
Uncle Thomas and Earleen Burnett
Saturday, November 14, 2009
We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Nancy,
Wish we could have lived closer.
From Uncle Thomas and Aunt Earleen
Donna Burnett Park
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Nancy and I were cousins. Her father was the oldest of 6 brothers and my dad, the youngest.. Even though I hadn't seen her in several years she was heavy on my mind the morning of Nov. 11. She did die too young. I am so sad.
Terry Burnett
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Nancy will forever be in our hearts.
Heaven has another Angel in the Kingdom
Rest In Peace
Cousin Terry
Terry Burnett
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Nancy,,,,,,,,May You Rest In Peace,,,,,
You will always be in our hearts and memories.
I remember visiting you and your parents in Arkansas when I was younger.
Heaven Now Has Another Angel for the Kingdom
Martha Magee
Friday, November 13, 2009
Nancy You will be remembered by all your cousins. You were just a little older than our daughter and I remember you two playing together when you came to California to visit us. Rest in Peace Nancy Ken & Martha Magee
Larry Marshall
Friday, November 13, 2009
Co worker of Tim Naile. Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. On behalf of the Marshall family please except our sincerists condolences during this time of sorrow.
Larry Marshall
Friday, November 13, 2009
Co worker of Tim Naile. Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. On behalf of the Marshall family please except our sincerists condolences during this time of sorrow.
Abe Lehman
Friday, November 13, 2009
Husband of Judy , Nancy,s cousin
Valta Burnett
Friday, November 13, 2009
Nancy was my niece by marrriage. I 've stayed close and last visited with her on her birthday.
Demetrial Dickie
Friday, November 13, 2009
Tim,
You and your family are in my prayers.
Glenda McNew
Friday, November 13, 2009
I went to school with Nancy at UCA and I remember her kindness. May your family find peace in the midst of these circumstances. God Bless!
Judy Burnett Lehman
Friday, November 13, 2009
I remember Nancy as a beautiful little girl with blond hair. Her father and mine were brothers. She died too young.