Donnie Harkins Burnette : Obituary

The Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville announces funeral services for Mrs. Donnie Harkins Burnette, age 91, of Blairsville who passed away Friday, May 17, 2013 at Heritage Healthcare of Blue Ridge.

Mrs. Burnette was born in Union County, Georgia on September 30, 1921, a daughter to Newt and Maggie Harkins. There were 15 siblings in all, while she was growing up. Donnie was saved by her Lord at a young age and her faith grew under the guidance of her parents and grandfather, who was a preacher. All she ever knew was hard work. Her father sawed off a hoe handle and had her working the garden when she was little. This work ethic she passed onto her children. She worked at the Owltown Cafe for 50 years where she became famous for her biscuits & gravy. She raised many gardens over the years and canned absolutely everything, nothing went to waste. She enjoyed creating quilts, playing the guitar and singing. Donnie was “everybody’s mama” who was gifted with the spirit of generosity. She would sacrifice much to meet a need such as becoming a midwife to help the women in the community. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sherry Southerland; granddaughter, Mia Southerland; parents and siblings.

Donnie will be fondly remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her family: Sons, Johnny, Gary and Ronnie Burnette; daughters, Kathryn Lloyd and Tama Lee; and the legacy she leaves behind, embodied by her 25 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m on Monday, May 20, 2013 from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville with Rev. Danny White officiating. Special music will be presented by the Sons Light Singers. The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: ShaneBurnette, Jamie Burnette, Cody Franklin, Danny Jones, Warren Cole, Chase Platt, Zach Morris and Roger Seabolt. Interment will follow in Owltown Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday evening from 6 until 9 pm.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville. Please share your condolences on our website, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.