Idell Carter Burnette

Idell Carter Burnette, born October 1, 1939, in Greene County, TN, passed away on March 15, 2026, at Laughlin Healthcare Center in Greeneville, TN after a battle with lung cancer. She was one of 14 children of Crawford and Edna Solomon Carter.

Idell grew up in Greene County with her parents and siblings near the Nolichucky River. She graduated from McDonald High School, Mohawk, TN then Blanton's Business College, Asheville, NC. Idell met her husband, Willie Burnette, when she was a student at Blanton's Business College in Asheville.

Idell worked at the Asheville Airport after she graduated from Blanton's. After moving back to TN, she worked at Berkline Furniture in Morristown, TN as an upholstery seamstress, then as a furniture designer before her retirement.

Idell was known for her sweet disposition and for her strong faith. She was a prayer warrior for anyone who asked for help. She grew up in a huge family with 9 brothers and 4 sisters. She was her brother, Ken's, fishing buddy. He used to tell her that he had 8 brothers, but his fishing buddy was his sister!

Every Sunday after church, many family members would gather for a meal at Idell's mom and dad's farm. Everyone brought a covered dish to contribute, and the table would be loaded with wonderful food. Idell was known for her fried chicken which was the best! There was lots of laughter and stories along with much love.

She is survived by her daughter, Samantha (Gary) Burnette of Raleigh, NC; grandsons, Benjamin Burnette of Denver, CO and Matthew Burnette of Raleigh, NC; her sister, Shirley (Loyd) Golden of Mosheim, TN; numerous nieces and nephews, including special nieces and nephews: Katherine Solomon, Linda (Sam) Carter, Todd Hawk, Pam Gaddis, Rebecca Hurst, Barry Golden, Garry Golden, Melissa Golden, and Agnes (Harold) Fortner; and numerous other family members, including great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Willie James Burnette; parents, Crawford John and Edna Solomon Carter; brothers, John Carter, Jack Carter, Bill Carter, Tom Carter, George Carter, Alfred Carter, Rex Carter, Kenneth Carter, and Wayne Carter; and sisters, Irene Rupert, Mary Seay, and Patsy Hawk.

The family will receive friends 5-7pm Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home.

The funeral service will follow at 7pm in the Kiser-Rose Hill Chapel, officiated by Rev. Jim Fain.

Interment will be at 11am Friday, March 20, 2026, at GreeneLawn Memory Gardens. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10am to go in procession to the cemetery.

The family would like to extend much appreciation to the staff at Laughlin Healthcare Center and Smoky Mountain Health and Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org

Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kiserrosehillfuneralhome.com