Gloria Jean Burnette

Gloria Jean Burnette, 82, of Aiken, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Born on June 19, 1943, in New Holland, South Carolina, Gloria was the beloved daughter of the late Grady L. Smith and Faye Lease Ready.

Mrs. Burnette was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and a cherished friend to many. Gloria touched the lives of countless people through her unwavering faith, boundless love, and deep compassion.

She found great joy in the simple and meaningful things in life, especially gardening, canning, and sewing. Gloria lovingly sewed Easter dresses for her girls each year, creating cherished traditions and lifelong memories. In later years, she continued creating special memories with her granddaughter and great-granddaughter, whom she cherished as her very own. She also enjoyed sewing doll clothes and Barbie dresses, sharing her creativity and love through every stitch.

Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. Gloria found fellowship and strength within her church family, worshiping faithfully at Oak Grove Baptist Church and Memorial Baptist Church. She treasured time spent with her girls at church and visiting “down home” in New Holland, where faith, family, and fellowship filled her heart.

Surviving are her daughter, Debbie Fernandez (Orlando); granddaughter, Carolyn “CJ” Hoover (Benji); and great-granddaughter, Caroline Zoey Bryant. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Burnette was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, Carl Burnette, and a daughter, Johnnie Irene Burnette.

A graveside service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Burnette will be held at 2:30 P.M., on Saturday, January 3rd, at Aiken Memorial Gardens, with close family friend Roger Barton officiating. Family and friends are invited for a visitation prior to the service, from 12:30 until 2:00 P.M., at Milton Shealy Funeral Home, Aiken Chapel.

Milton Shealy Funeral Home, Aiken Chapel, is serving the Burnette family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.MiltonShealy.com.