Mary Lee Dunford Burnell

Mrs. Mary Lee Dunford Burnell, 87, of Lynchburg, died Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006, at her residence. She was the wife of the late Clarence Orien Burnell Sr.
Born in Campbell County on Oct. 28, 1918, she was a daughter of the late Edward B. and Hazel Glass Dunford. Mrs. Burnell worked for the U.S. Naval Dept. and in her husband's shoe store business in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Burnell returned to Lynchburg, later in life to help care for her ill mother. She worked for G.C. Murphy Co., until taking a job with Lynchburg College, where she retired with many years of service. She was a member of Tree of Life Ministries.
Mrs, Burnell was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She always put others, before herself and was always there, when her family needed her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a loving sister, Myrtle Dunford Apperson; a loving brother, William E. (Ned) Dunford and a son-in-law, Danny Aceto.
Surviving are her children, Clarence O. (Sonny) Burnell Jr. and his wife, Diane, of Lynchburg, Susan B. Aceto of Rehoboth, Del., and Betty B. Newton, of Lynchburg and son-in-law, Larry Newton of N.C. She is also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 2, 2006, at Whitten Park Avenue Chapel by the Rev. Mack Almond and Pastor J. Mike Dodson. Interment will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. today, at the funeral home and other times at the home of her daughter, Sandra Swain, 1703 Danbury Drive.
Mrs. Burnell battled many illnesses later in life. Her daughter, Betty was by her side and cared for her always, until her passing. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the dedicated nursing staff of Home Healthcare Solutions, (Angie, Rhonda, Linda, and Laura) and to Dr. Alexander Wilgus and Dr. Thomas Nygaard. They are not only medical professionals, but angels on earth, who always went above and beyond.
To send condolences to the family, please visit www.whittenfuneralhome.com.
Whitten Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Park Avenue Chapel is serving the family.