Mary Elizabeth Burnette

Mary Elizabeth “Sugar” Chest Burnette, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of November 7th, 2024, at the age of 94. Born on December 10, 1929, to Frederick Osie Chest Sr. and Mary Louise Lansdown Chest, Mary grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, alongside her brothers, Frederick Osie Chest Jr. and William Russell Chest. She graduated from East High School, where she was a cheerleader, an ROTC sponsor, and an active member of the Rainbow Girls.

A loving wife, Mary and Thomas Smith Burnette Jr. married in 1950, and they built a beautiful family together. She was a devoted mother to Marsha (Rick) Brewer and David (Sonja) Burnette, and her love extended deeply to her three cherished grandchildren, Devon (Billy) Anderson, Heath (Megan Myers) Brewer, and Zachary Burnette, as well as her three great-grandsons, Rex Anderson, Dashiell Anderson, and Wyatt Anderson. Mary is also survived by her dear nephew Rusty (Jackie Rogers) Chest.

Mary’s career reflected her unwavering dedication to her community and her faith. She held positions with the IRS, served as a bookkeeper for Burnette Realty and Construction Company, and ultimately found her calling as the Administrator of Ira and Avon North Christian Care Villa and Golden Age Village in Madison, Tennessee. She also worked in the business office of her beloved Madison Church of Christ, where she spent countless hours teaching children’s Bible classes, delivering Meals on Wheels, and volunteering as one of the “Sunshine Ladies,” bringing flowers and joy to nursing home residents.

Known affectionately as “Sugar” for her sweet nature, Mary lived a life of profound selflessness and kindness. She embodied the words of Jesus in John 13:35: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Mary’s faith was her compass, guiding her to serve others with compassion and joy. Her family and friends will remember her not only for her warm smile and gentle spirit but for the unconditional love she poured into every relationship. Her legacy of kindness and faith lives on in the hearts of those she touched.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 11th from 12:00pm to 1:30pm, with a funeral service at 1:30pm, both at Madison Church of Christ. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Goodlettsville, TN. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate) or Madison Church of Christ. Mary will be deeply missed, but her light continues to shine through all those who knew and loved her.