Jonette Whitener Burns

Jonette Whitener Burns, 87, of Waxahachie, Texas, passed away at 10 a.m. on November 5, 2025. 

Jonette was born November 2, 1938 to Johnnie and Pearl Whitener in Malvern, Arkansas. After growing up around Malvern and Benton, Jonette moved to Dallas, Texas and met Jerrell Oliver Moore, with whom she would raise four children together until their divorce in 1987.

Later in life, Jonette met her soulmate and Army Veteran Carl Lee Burns, with whom she was inseparable. Before he passed in December 2021, the two were determined to find fun in everything they did, including making hobby out of traveling around the country in search of good barbecue spots.

The beloved matriarch of a tight knit family, Jonette will always be remembered by her friends and loved ones for her sharp wit, cheeky sense of humor, and her love for drawing, art, and strawberries. She leaves behind a legacy of strength in the face of life’s many hardships and warmth for everyone who has been blessed to know her. To her family, she was known as “Gommie,” a nickname created through the combination of the words “Good” and “Mommy”.

She is survived by her four children: Janella Dunning & Steve, Jon Moore & Tony, James Moore & Lori, and Julie Gryder & David; step-daughter: Belinda Hastedt & Stuart; eight grandchildren: David “Bubba” Gryder & Karel, Kip Moore, Julian Dunning, Blake Moore, Kody Gryder & Kady, Savana Dunning, Kylee Moore & Breja, and Kolton Gryder; three step-grandchildren: Taylor Whitfield & Lauren, Addison Jo, and Cullen Lee and six great-grandchildren: Everlee, Kynslee, Kaylyn, Paityn, Alexia, and Skyli; and one great-grandchild: Kelsey.

Obituary lovingly written by her granddaughter, Savana. Gommie was her biggest fan and so proud of her gift for writing.

A viewing will take place at Wayne Boze Funeral Home in Waxahachie, Texas, on November 20 from from 6 p.m to 8 p.m., with a later cemetery service to be held at the DFW National Cemetery on November 21 at 10:30 a.m., where she will be buried alongside her late husband Carl.