Virginia Elizabeth Burnette

Virginia Elizabeth Burnette, 76, of Roanoke, Va. On October 17, 2009, God in his infinite wisdom called home our beloved mother, Virginia Elizabeth Burnette. Ms. Virginia Elizabeth Burnette, affectionately known as "Shorty" was born March 12, 1933, to the late John Burnette and Louise Burnette (Bonds), in Stewartsville, Va. Making Roanoke, Va. her home, she was a very special hard-working woman who loved the Lord. Always putting God first, she was a dedicated mother who surrounded herself with family and friends. She also liked to bake, tend to her plants and help others in need. She worked at Bailey's Cafeteria for several years and retired from Oakey's Funeral Home on Church Avenue. Virginia was preceded in death by her sister, Phyllis Burnette; and brother, James Burnette, of Roanoke. She leaves to cherish her memories, the loving, devoted father of her children, Mr. Leroy D. Williams; five children, Linda (George) Dunnaville, Darlene Burnette-Pierce, Shirl Burnette, Lisa Burnette-Byers and Eddie Burnette, all of Roanoke; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren, all of Roanoke; eight sisters, Doris (Walter) Fitzgerald, Ann (Wayne) Bernard, Mary Catherine (Dewey) Mitchell, Rosa Burnette, Norma (Milton) Preston, Nancy Burnette, all of Roanoke, Helen (Leslie) Dean and Brenda Sue Bonds, of Radford, Va.; two brothers, Charles (Margaret) Burnette and Henry (Lois) Burnette, of Roanoke; sister-in-law, Loretta Burnette, of Roanoke, Va. Virginia's extended family, the Jones, Cooper's and Kasey's; very special friends, Lilly Shepherd, Lucy Clements, Macey Evans, Gloria Claytor, Ernestine Smith, Shirley Lomax and Alberta Wells, all of Roanoke; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many many friends. It is with sincere gratitude that we, the family of Virginia Elizabeth Burnette, extend our heartfelt thanks for all the acts of kindness extended to us as we prepare for a life on earth without Virginia. With all of the support and kind gestures our healing process has already begun. Thank you for the cards, food, prayers, love and support. A very special thanks to Raleigh Court Nursing Home, Carilion Hospice Team, Our Lady of the Valley and Oakey's Funeral Home. The Burnette family. Funeral services will be at noon Wednesday, October 21, 2009, at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel with Pastor Leslie Dean officiating. Interment will be in the Burnette Burial Grounds at Stewartsville. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2009, at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 540-982-2100.