Verlene Burnett

Mary "Verlene" Burnett, age 94, passed away peacefully from natural causes. Born on July 13, 1930, in Magee, Mississippi, Verlene brought warmth and joy to everyone around her.

Growing up on a small cotton farm, she dealt with hard work every day, from picking cotton in the hot sun until her hands were sore to raising chickens for her family dinners. Even with her struggles, she found comfort in simple things like her loyal dogs, enjoying home-cooked meals, knitting, and making clothes. She also developed a love for sweets, especially during the Christmas holidays.

After graduating from Mississippi State College in the early 1950s with a business degree, she moved from Mississippi to Houston, where she began her career as a secretary for Gulf Oil. There, she met and married Arthur "Art" Leon Burnett, and together they started a loving family of four. Verlene and Art dedicated themselves to creating opportunities for their children. Once the kids were grown and independent, she devoted her time to volunteering at Memorial Hermann Hospital.

As a cherished member of Woodlands First Baptist Church, she formed deep bonds of friendship that enriched her life. As founding members, she and Art held the church close to their hearts, and it became a second home for Verlene in her later years, filled with love and community.

Verlene was a wonderful mother who was always there when the family needed her most, offering abundant support, wisdom, and love. She was also a friend to many. Until the end, she loved meeting new people and hearing their stories. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Verlene is lovingly survived by her daughter Jenise Temko; her daughter Keri and son-in-law Ron Cook; her sons Alan and wife Annie Burnett, and David and wife Natasa Burnett; and her cherished grandchildren, Forrest Temko, Zai Cook, Cory Cook, Ian Burnett, Mariette Burnett, and Babette Burnett. Each of them held a very special place in her heart.

Visitation for Mary will be held Tuesday, October 1, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384. Funeral service will occur Wednesday, October 2, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384, followed by entombment immediately after the service.