Always a front row seat at Country Tonight in Pigeon Forge. TN. Here with two of the stars of the show.

Treetop Resorts with neice Rhonda & her husband James , Gatlinburg

What a precious lady and what a remarkable life. She & John built a wonderful life together and lived each day to the fullest. We are so grateful that we got the chance to known & love Mary Jane & “Uncle” John. They welcomed us into their home and family as one of their own. We have so many precious memories celebrating milestones and  cruising  with them and staying  in their condo in Gatlinburg.  
Mary Jane will never be forgotten. Her legacy of love and wisdom will live on the lives of those she loved. Praying for peace and comfort in the days ahead for dear John & her precious family.
Much love,
Jim & Carla Wade

My family has so many cherished memories of July 4 Family Reunions in Stanfield with John and Mary Jane!   These were our  favorite reunions growing up and my boys still talk about them today,  Mary Jane was always so welcoming and made sure everyone knew they were loved.  I can still hear her big beautiful laugh.  She could light up the whole yard!  My deepest sympathy to John and the family,  I’m holding you all in prayer in the days ahead and rejoice that one day we will be reunited in glory,

John, you hit the jackpot when you found Mary Jane.  She was a great part of our family.  I loved to hear her laugh, which she did often.  Thanks for the many family reunions you two hosted.  Lots of fond memories.  We will miss her greatly.  Your cousin Janice Born

She was going to make a children's book.  She was very talented.

Kim Craver loved putting this quilt together.  Designed by Mary Jane.

After visiting or before we would all go eat Mexican Food.

Visits with Mary Jane and couple of finished quilts.

Mary Jane called me to help clean out her fabrics and quilt tops.  I asked if I could share with a few quilt buds as they would love to finish them up.  She was thrilled.  We later took several down for her to see them.

I wish I knew of Mary Jane’s love of quilting as my own grandmother, Mamie Annette Burdette Deese, was the impetus of my love of fabric.  I would have loved to incorporate Mary Jane’s knowledge in my own quilting.  Those of you who benefitted from her knowledge & experience are so very lucky and I know you will cherish those memories.  

When I think of Mary Jane, I always hear her great big laugh in my mind, with Uncle John beside her grinning.  It’s so joyful and deeply felt and drew in those who heard it.  This will be my forever memory of Mary Jane.

Our deepest condolences to all who love this wonderful woman,
Debbie & Bryant James

Some of my favorite memories of Mary Jane include us hunting for holiday Barbie's together and her love of arts and crafts and her ability to sew and quilt. Every Fourth of July, I still wear the American flag tshirt she made for me when I was a teenager. The picture attached was taken at a superbowl party and Emma decided only Mary Jane could help her put her pajamas on. Mary Jane was tickled as you can see. 😀. She will be missed ❤️

John and Mary Janes family, I send my heartfelt condolences for your loss.  She was a remarkable and talented lady and I was always fond of her.  May she rest in peace.
Polly Ormiston

Mary Jane always had a big smile and a warm hug when we would see her at our family reunions. She and John opened their home to all of us every 4th of July, and that day was one of the highlights of our year as kids. Thank you for the memories, and I'm so sorry for your loss. With love and care - Appy and Duane

When I was little, probably eight or nine, I “embroidered” handkerchiefs for Uncle Benton and Uncle Dwight for Christmas. I had no idea what I was doing, so you can imagine what they looked like. Mary Jane never criticized my “embroidery”, but she very kindly offered to teach me how to embroider correctly. She also taught me how to cross stitch and helped me with more intricate projects ( like prom dresses and dance costumes!) when I sewed for my family.  She also introduced me to the wonderland that was Mary Jo’s Fabric Store!  I will be forever grateful for the skills that she taught me.

So many good memories of 4th of July family reunions. I cherish these summer memories as a kid at your place, John and Mary Jane. I remember sitting in your lap as a kid watching the grown ups and big kids play horse  shoes to later being one of those big kids  playing myself and how you made sure us kids  were taken care of and having fun.  For me, I will always remember your smile, your laugh and open arms. You will be missed. So much love for you, John and family, Love, Daphne

Xander and I love Mary Jane dearly!! We have such great memories together!! She always said that her and Uncle John considered Xander one of their own and that means the world to us! They treated him so special and never missed an opportunity to brag on him!! She said she looked at a drawing of her Tigger cat that he made for her every morning when she woke up because she put it on her wall!! A very talented (in every way) and special lady. We will miss her dearly! It’s going to be hard to say Uncle John with adding Mary Jane. They were one and the same! I pray for him in this coming period, as he learns to navigate the world without his other half.

So very sorry for your loss … she was precious. Appreciate her kindness and giving heart through the years. My first introduction to the Deese / Burdette family was at their home (John & Mary Jane’s)  for the family reunion.  Always so warm and welcoming. Sending deep love and sympathy to all who mourn her loss the most ❤️🙏❤️

MaryJane and I would love to spend time together getting our nails done, having lunch at new places and quilting.  I remember when WBTV covered her quilting for charity.  She loved to help others with her talents.
https://www.wbtv.com/story/11767150/good-news-love-in-each-stitch/

Grandmother was someone who loved to share her passion with others, around the age of ten grandmother would pick me up from school we would go get Wendy’s frosty’s and then head to her house where we picked fabric and she taught me me how to quilt from sewing every fatback strip together to finalizing the edges she help me stitch together my very first quilt that will hold months of memories every time it is used.

Of all of the memories I had with grandmother, the ones that I think of most go back to when she taught me to quilt. She loved quilting and made it a point to tell me that I should know how to quilt as well. For a few months during elementary school I was dropped off at my grandparents house after school to learn to quilt. Grandmother and I spent this time choosing fabric, cutting and sewing, ironing, eventually putting together a full quilt, and occasionally getting a Wendy’s frosty. I still have the quilt we made together and will always have the memories to go with it.

OBITUARY

Mary Jane Burdette

November 27, 1938 – July 28, 2026

McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel

Show your support

Send Flowers

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Visitation

Funeral Service

Committal Service