Judy Carolyn (Kemp) Burnett

Judy Kemp Burnett, age 82 and lifelong resident of Crossett, passed away at home peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, November 1, 2024. She was born in Crossett, Arkansas on July 21, 1942, to her parents, Leonard and Merle Jean Kemp. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Crossett as well as a former Sunday School teacher for over twenty years.

Judy was a woman of faith which was shown in every decision and action she made throughout her life. She graduated from Crossett High School in 1960. She was a cheerleader, homecoming maid, and class secretary for her junior and senior year, and attended girls’ state. She attended the University of Arkansas at Conway for a brief period before returning closer to home, attending the University of Arkansas at Monticello, which was formerly Arkansas A&M College. She majored in elementary education and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

She married the love of her life, Don Allen Burnett. Both started their teaching careers in Chillicothe, Missouri; however, Hugh Willis, former superintendent of Crossett Schools, pulled both of them back home to Crossett to teach. She taught first, second, and third grades. Judy taught elementary school for thirty six years, ending her career in second grade, retiring in 2000. Judy taught many, many students and had some of the most interesting adventures and stories to share about her former students.

Judy’s love for life never waivered from being based on the foundation of Christ. She was a peacemaker and never had or wanted any confrontation with anyone she came into contact with. She treated everyone fairly. Her love for her husband and for her two children was an unconditional love. She would do without to make sure her children were happy and healthy.

Judy loved collecting antiques and reading a wide variety of books. She cooked many many meals for her family especially around the holidays. One of her favorite movies was Tombstone. She loved the line from Val Kilmer’s character, “I’ll be your Huckleberry.” She was a former member of the Crossett Retired Teacher’s Association, Crossett Book Club, Hospital Auxiliary for Ashley County Medical Center, and a member of the JOY Sunday School class at First Baptist Church. Judy cherished her grand-”pups”: Cooper, Sadie, Cade, Brady and Whiskey, as well as her nephew pup, Baxter. Her grand-pups always put a smile on her face and she asked about them daily. During the holidays, she always made sure to include them with treats.

She is preceded in death by her husband Don Allen Burnett; her parents, Merle Jean Estelle-Kemp and Leonard Kemp; her grandparents, Howard and Luna Estelle; her in-laws Rosemary and Floyd Burnett; a special nephew, Larry Drake Crossland, and three special pet companions Ginger, Freddy-bird, and Bailey.

She is survived by her daughter Kelly Burnett-Spradlin of Crossett, her son Brad (Elizabeth) Burnett of Crossett, one sister Janet Kemp Thompson of Decatur, AL, brother-in-law John “Buddy” Burnett (Sharon) of Little Rock, AR, sister-in-law Marilyn Myers of Crossett, AR, her grandpups, nephew pup, and a host of special cousins, nieces, nephews, and special family members Madilyn and Courtney Crossland and Kevin Medlin who she treated as her own children.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 6th, at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy 52 W, in Crossett, with Pastors Phillip Slaughter and David Newberry officiating, followed by interment at Pinewood Memorial Park under the direction of Medders Funeral Home. Pallbearers are John “Buddy” Burnett, Mark Burnett, Nick Adams, Kevin Medlin, Kevin Strunk, and Tony Nolan.

Honorary pallbearers are the members of the CHS Class of 1960 and the JOY Sunday School class at First Baptist Church.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 5th, at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend their thanks to the following: ACMC ER Staff, ACMC Home Health Staff, Davita Dialysis Staff and Dr. Michael Schonofeld, Baptist Medical Center doctors and nurses, MEMS Ambulance Service, and Kayla (RN) with Hospice Home Care of Monticello. These individuals went above and beyond to take care of our loved one and to ensure her level of comfort until the end.

This beautiful tribute written and submitted by Judy's daughter, Kelly Spradlin.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Judy Carolyn (Kemp) Burnett, please visit our floral store.