Zelma Burnett

Daughter of the late Joe E. and Bernice M. Brown of Cartersville, Zel was born in Weiner, Arkansas, the third of 10 children. After the family relocated to Flint, Michigan, Zel met the love of her life and husband of 55 years, William “Bill” Burnett, who passed away in 2010. Pursuing Bill’s career in the auto industry, Zel and Bill moved to Atlanta in 1959 and then to Cartersville in 1967, when he purchased the Union 76 Oil distribution center for this area.

Zel was a cherished wife, mother, and sister and beloved by her many friends. She was a leader, serving as the president of the Aidmore League and Lady’s golf association of the Cartersville Country Club, she was an accomplished athlete, winning many golf and bowling tournaments, and she was an artist, bringing beauty to life in her home, her gardens, and her oil paintings.

Zel was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, Joe Brown, Jr. She leaves behind to treasure her memory two daughters Tracy (Terry) Earwood of Cartersville, Kelly Burnett (Sean McGinty) of Corvallis, Oregon, a step-daughter Ellise (John) Elmore of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and siblings Peggy Brown (Steve Shinall), Tim (Pam) Brown, and Kirby Brown all of Cartersville; Ted (Lois) Brown of Winder, GA; Wilma (Ed) Petras and Jerry (Diane) Brown of Michigan; Donna Williams of Florida; and Rita (Don) Stephens of Alabama. Zel is survived also by three generations of nieces and nephews and her pet Yorkshire Terrier, Chaz. The family is particularly grateful for the care Zel received during these last months from her hospice nurse, Amanda Boyles, at Heyman Hospicecare of Floyd, and Ruby Wheeler.

In-lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cancer Research Institute (http://www.cancerresearch.org/giving-to-cri) or the Etowah Valley Humane Society (http://www.etowahvalleyhumane.org/).

Graveside services will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 18, 2014, from the Sunset Memory Gardens with Rev. Jody Cagle officiating.

Pallbearers will be Evan McLeod, Keegan Shinall, John Elmore, Gordon Brown, Steve Shinall and Anthony Earwood.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 till 7:00 P.M. Tuesday.

Please visit our website at WWW.Owenfunerals.com to sign the online register.

Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville, is in charge of the arrangements.