Juanita Burnette

Juanita "Nita" Burnette passed away on Monday, April 9, 2012, in Little Rock. She was born May 20, 1930, in Ouachita County, Arkansas, the daughter of Elliott Dean and Sally McKee Greene. Nita was an exceptional student, graduating at the top of her Stephens' High School class at age 16. She was equally proud of her basketball prowess and kept her basketball letter jacket in her closet for many years after high school. Nita attended Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, for two years on a scholarship. She married Henry Clarence Burnette in 1949. While the young couple lived in Walker's Creek, Arkansas, and Spring Hill, Louisiana, between 1950 and 1954,they had three sons, Carlisle, Jerry and Dennis. Shortly after they moved to Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in 1958, Nita gave birth to their forth son, Mark. While living in Pine Bluff, she resumed her education at the University of Arkansas in Monticello, where she was awarded a bachelors degree in English in 1966. She taught at Dollarway Junior High School during the 60's and 70's. She also worked on her Masters degree at Auburn University in Auburn Alabama, and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She received a Masters degree in 1985 from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She taught English and reading for 25 years in Arkansas and Texas, and retired in 1995. Juanita also explored the world through her painting, photography, travel, and reading. She is survived by three sons, Carlisle Burnette of Boise, Idaho, Dennis Burnette (Mary Ann) and Mark Burnette (Ralph Hyman), of Little Rock, Arkansas, and two grandchildren, Jennifer Perez-Kimbrel (Leonard) of Lamar, Arkansas, and Elizabeth Hubbard (Jason) of Camas, Washington. She was preceded in death by her son Jerry McKee Burnette; brother Napoleon Greene and parents, Elliott Dean and Sally McKee Greene. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday at Graceland Cemetery in Pine Bluff. Arrangements by North Little Rock Funereal Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.