Wimberley Cowan Burnett

December 11th, 1933- August 18th, 2026

Wimberley “Wim” Cowan Burnett, 92, died peacefully in her sleep in Dallas, Texas, on August 18th.

Wim was born on December 11, 1933, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Rufus Morgan Hickey and Mary Katherine Killebrew. Her father died shortly after her birth, and she was raised by her mother and bonus father, John Early Jr., in Columbia, Tennessee. She attended The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, New York, where she graduated as valedictorian and lettered in lacrosse. Her time in New York and her visits to Broadway began a lifetime of appreciation for theater, especially musicals.

She attended Vanderbilt University, graduating in 1955 with a double major in English and History. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta at Vanderbilt. There, she met Robert “Bo” Harrison Cowan. They were married on June 18, 1955, in Columbia, Tennessee. They lived in many places across the country before settling in Dallas with their two children. Wim and Bo had 32 wonderful years together before he died in 1987.

Wim earned her master’s degree in special education from Texas A&M University in Dallas. She enjoyed teaching children with learning disabilities and special needs at Armstrong Elementary in Highland Park ISD, where she taught for 19 years. After retiring in 1994, Wim returned to Nashville. In retirement, Wim enjoyed traveling the world and remaining active in her community. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Colonial Tennessee Dames, Daughters of the American Revolution, Junior League, Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, and Centennial Club.

On a Cheekwood Garden Tour, Wim met Naud Burnett II of Dallas. They were married on June 2, 2001, and enjoyed splitting their time between Nashville and Dallas. They continued their love of travel, visiting beautiful gardens and historic sites. Wim and Naud were active members of Highland Park Presbyterian Church and The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Wim especially looked forward to the annual family summer vacations.

Wim was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Robert “Bo” Cowan; her sister, Margaret Early Ross; her brother, John K. Early; and her son-in-law, Paul F. Brock.

She is survived by her husband, Naud Burnett II; daughter Kate Cowan Brock of Lookout Mountain, Georgia; and son Buck Cowan (Susan) of Dallas. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Katherine Brock Mauer (Ryan), Sally Brock Lynch (Sam), Margaret Brock Tillett (Mason), Bobby Cowan (Cassie), and Katie Cowan Burkhead (Matt). Wim had five great-grandchildren whom she adored: Marian and Polly Lynch, Thomas and Paul Tillett, and Buck Burkhead. She is also survived by her niece, Lawrence Blank Cook (Charlie), and her nephews, Lee Blank (Melanie) and John Blank.

A family graveside service will be held at Zion Presbyterian Church and Cemetery near Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Wim’s honor may consider Highland Park Presbyterian Church, Highland Park Education Foundation, or a charity of their choice.