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 10:00 am 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 5:00-7:00 pm 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.
