Melissa Burnett

Melissa Burnett, 71, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on January 31, 2026. Born on July 18, 1954, in Opp, Alabama, Melissa grew up in New Harmony, Florida, where she attended Paxton Elementary, Middle, and High School.

For the past 28 years, Melissa worked for the school district as a finance specialist at Ferry Pass Middle School, until her retirement earlier this year.

Melissa was passionate about word searches and puzzles and especially loved to read, spending much of her free time with a book in hand. An animal lover at heart, she was also a sports fanatic, enjoying watching the Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Braves play.

Melissa is preceded in passing by her father, Lewis Edwin Thorn. She is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, Bill Burnett; her children, Susan (Matt) Durham and Mike (Melanie) Burnett; her grandchildren, Lauren Durham, Brooke Durham, Hayden Burnett, Haley Burnett, Bryant Burnett, Rhett Burnett and Magnolia Grace Burnett; her mother, Twinette Thorn; her twin sister, Melinda Allen; siblings, Wynona Geoghagan, Pam (Wayne) Breedlove and Lewis (Lori) Thorn Jr.; as well as many other family members.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=incentivehubheromedia) or Gentiva Hospice (https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/GentivaFoundation/GHS.html)

A graveside service will be held at Bayview Memorial Park, located at 3351 Scenic Highway, Pensacola, FL, 32503, on February 6, 2026, at 12:00 pm.