Mary R Burnette

COLUMBIA Mary Malissa Ratliff Burnette, 87, passed away on March 21, 2015 with her family by her side. Born December 12, 1927 in Morven, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Charles Edward and Mary Katherine Ratliff. She is predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Dr. Harvey L. Burnette. Ms. Burnette graduated from Morven High School in 1944 and Greensboro College in 1948 with a B.A. Degree where she earned top honors. She later continued graduate studies in guidance counseling at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Ms. Burnette reared five girls in her rural hometown of Morven, N.C. during the 1950’s before the family moved to Bowling Green, Ohio in 1960, then to Columbia, S.C. in 1968. Ms. Burnette taught at Hand Middle School and Julia Bates School. Throughout her life, Ms. Burnette was devoted to her family and to the education of her daughters and grandchildren. She cherished friendships both old and new and especially valued reunions with Greensboro College classmates. She will be most remembered for her gentle spirit, tolerance of others and generous heart. Ms. Burnette was a member of Washington Street United Methodist Church in Columbia where she was a long-time member of the Holroyd Class and enjoyed visiting the Dawsey Class. She was a member of the Julia Grady Circle (Circle 3) and the Lilac Garden Club. Ms. Burnette is survived by four daughters, M. Malissa Burnette and her husband, Michael G. LeFever of Columbia, S.C., Mary Margaret Burnette of Columbia, S.C., M. Melanie Burnette and her husband, Harry Glah of Millersville, Penn., and M. Michele Burnette of Columbia, S.C.; eight grandchildren, Grant Burnette LeFever, Walter Elder (Estefi), Katherine Elder, Lucas Elder (Lydia), Graeson Burnette-Peake, Abigail Burnette-Peake, Savannah LeFever, and Ian Redmon Burnette. She also is survived by two brothers, Charles Edward Ratliff, Jr. (Ruth), John P. “Jack” Ratliff (Betty); and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter, Mary Marsha Burnette. The family wishes to thank the caring staff from Tri-County Hospice who helped Mom through her final days, as well as Beverly Neeley, and the many friends who visited and sent words of encouragement. The family will greet friends at the home of Malissa Burnette and Mike LeFever on March 23, 2015 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm (2721 Wheat Street, Columbia, SC 29205). A memorial service will be held at a later date at Morven United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Harvest Hope Food Bank, 2220 Shop Road, Columbia, SC 29201; Morven United Methodist Church, c/o Jack Ratliff, PO Box 336, Morven, NC 28119; or to a charity of one’s choice.