Nancy Steagald Burnett

Nancy Burnett passed away on February 26, 2023 at 90 years of age. She was a woman of many talents, which she displayed while creating a warm home for her family. An avid seamstress, the first time all the grandkids visited together, she made matching velvet dresses for Brianna, Katherine, and Sarah in jewel tones for a family picture. (Thomas, Gregory, and Jared needed no enhancement apparently). Her daughter Susan carries on in these creative pursuits.

Born to a family of girls, it delighted her when she gave birth to George, a boy so handsome that a stewardess on the flight home from Germany ‘borrowed’ him to show off throughout the cabin, not bringing him back until touchdown. Later, he followed in dad’s footsteps helping mom when he was in town. If you visited mom, you could be sure a project was in your future.

Often, when watching television in the evenings, she kept busy crocheting beautiful flowers or colorful granny squares for afghans. The crafting was so ingrained in her hands, she barely needed to inspect her work as she created these beautiful keepsakes for her family. Her granddaughter Katherine keeps this tradition alive with her own creative crochet.

Raised in Alabama and Georgia, with cooking skills deeply rooted in her southern upbringing, she still experimented with other cuisines, including some ill-fated meals with calves’ brains and a poor, poor little turtle that traumatized her daughter Janet to this day. Despite this, her granddaughter Sarah snapped green beans and learned to cook at her grandmother’s side, using some of her secrets in her own creations.

Mom’s Thanksgiving meals were notable for their deliciousness and the warmth of her table. Unfortunately, she couldn’t emulate the picture-perfect look of the turkeys her mother-in-law was famous for, instead presenting delicious birds with splayed legs and gaping orifices, much to the delight of us all. It was the only flaw and joking with her about it was an annual tradition, along with the clogging of the garbage disposal after every holiday. Mom never did stop putting the potato peels down the sink.

Despite her culinary accomplishments, it wasn’t until she was in her 80s that she first encountered a melty chocolaty s’more, sharing the delicious experience with her great-grandson Cameron. She also played piano with him on a visit, enjoying the time immensely.

Her house was a treasure trove for all the kids. When Tallulah or Cameron found her brass Tic-Tac-Toe set, she delighted in teaching them the game. Her lemon drops were Robbie’s first stop on visits. Katie, Sarah, and Jared often made straight for the hand-held arcade games of Frogger or Space Invaders which she kept special for visits. Grandson Jared has a special memory of swimming in grandma’s pool. While she lounged on the deck one hot summer afternoon in shorts, he decided to help her quit smoking by shooting her cigarettes with a water pistol from the safety of the water.

Mom was an eclectic gardener, planting a variety of tropical plants including roses, hibiscus, gardenias, and geraniums in her large Florida backyard. Avocados and oranges were among the fruits we all harvested on many visits. Her daughter Lydia shared her love of the outdoors and spent many evenings with mom enjoying the view from the back porch.

One of her favorite activities with all of us, kids, grandkids, and great grandkids alike, was playing Uno and Phase 10. We all have memories of long sessions laughing, snacking, and being thoroughly trounced by mom on many occasions. Great grandson Robbie learned to trash talk opponents straight from his grandma Nancy, who looked forward to taking on all comers!

Her gift giving over the years was a family legend, and amongst the odd Hawaiian shirt or flamingo polo, she outfitted us all with clothes we cherish. If you were complimented on your outfit, chances are it came from Grandma Nancy. Look at any of the grandkids or great grandkids school pictures, and you’ll see outfits showcasing her offbeat and fun sense of style.

Nancy joins our father George Burnett, her husband of 46 years. She is missed deeply by her loving family:

Daughter Susan (Tom) Stephen with grandchildren Brianna (Robert) Lofton, Thomas (Angela) Stephen, and Gregory (Whitney) Stephen, with great grandchildren Robbie and Olivia Lofton; Cameron Stephen; Talullah Stephen and Emory Reynolds.

Daughter Lydia Leonard, Son George (Ruby) Burnett, and Daughter Janet Burnett with grandchildren Katherine (Patrick) Matson, Sarah (Gregory) Jones, and Jared Martin.

A visitation for Nancy will be held Sunday, March 5, 2023 from one o'clock until funeral services start at two o'clock all at Memphis Funeral Home at 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119. Staff celebrant Jonathan Matthews will lead the day's services.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the Burnett family.