Mary Edna (Willis) Burnett

Mary Edna (Willis) Burnett was born to Shelton and Lucille Willis in Pleasant Hill, IL on November 24, 1940. As the eldest of five children, she grew up in the Pleasant Hill area surrounded by family.

On September 4, 1955, Mary united in marriage with Vencil Lee Burnett, beginning a beautiful journey that would span 69 years. Their union was blessed with four children: three daughters and one son. Early in their marriage, Mary and Vencil moved to Missouri where they spent 15 years building their life together. Their journey then took them to Wyoming until 1973, when they relocated to California so Vencil could attend Bible college. Following his studies, they returned to Wyoming where Vencil served as a bi-vocational Pastor until 1997, when they retired to Springfield, MO.

Mary trusted the Lord as her Savior during her early teen years and served Him faithfully throughout her life. A loving caregiver with a servant's heart, she devoted herself to the wellbeing of her family and friends. Mary took pride in creating a warm and welcoming home. She found joy in cooking delicious meals, sewing beautiful creations, tending to her garden, and losing herself in the pages of a good book.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband of 69 years, Vencil; daughter Connie (Ray) Adams and son Randy (Teresa) Burnett, both of Springfield, MO; daughter Debbie (Butch) Lubkeman of Gillette, Wyoming; sister Dixie (Earl) Benton; brother Richard (Mary) Willis; sister-in-law Tina Willis; seven grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Shelton and Lucille Willis; daughter Elaine Ford; grandson Tyler Lubkeman; an infant sister; and younger brother Louis Willis.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held on Monday, March 17, at Cherry Street Baptist Church 1201 S. Oak Grove at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 10 am until service time in the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Youth Camp fund at Cherry Street Baptist Church. It was at youth camp where Mary trusted Christ as her Savior as a young person.