Wilhemenia B. Burnett - Obituary

If I can help someone as I pass along, if I can cheer someone with a word or song... Then my living shall not be in vain." Like a gentle whisper blowing in the breeze, Wilhemenia Burnett quietly slipped into eternity early Friday morning, April 21, 2017. She was born on July 27, 1937, to the late Mamie Lee Epps and Lawrence Epps, an adoring stepfather. From the beginning of her life, Wilhemenia cherished her family and spent her life expressing her love and devotion to them as well as those who simply needed an expression of compassion. As a young child living in a small town in Enfield, North Carolina, Wilhemenia grew up to be an aspiring young lady who loved fashions and cooking. She attended the Halifax County Public Schools and graduated from Inborden High School in 1956 with a desire to explore opportunities beyond her small town. A few years after graduation, Wilhemenia moved to Washington, D.C., where she met the heartbeat of her life, John Burnett, Sr. During their 27 years of marriage, John and Wilhemenia built a life of love and trust centered around raising their children and building the foundation for their future. Throughout her lifetime, Wilhemenia worked tirelessly to demonstrate goodness and empathy for others. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great granddaughter with an unconditional passion for forgiveness and never missed an opportunity to say, “I love you”. Wilhemenia took great pride in being a homemaker and made an extra effort to create a tidy, loving home for her family. Her gift for cooking satisfied many mouths, and she especially wanted to make sure that all who ate had more than enough. She enjoyed her soap operas, restful evenings sitting on the balcony, and nurturing her flowers although she fondly admitted she missed the “green thumb.” Left behind to cherish her memories are two sons, John W. Burnett, Jr of the home; Michael T. Burnett (Rosalyn) of Fort Washington, Maryland; one daughter, Debra B. Lowe, (Charles) of Battleboro, North Carolina; two grandsons, Michael Burnett, Jr. and Martavious Burnett both of Fort Washington, Maryland; one precious great-granddaughter, Carter Burnett; one aunt, Helen Brown of Colonial Heights, Virginia and a host of other relatives and friends.