Mrs. Jennett Elizabeth Burton

Jennett E. Burton On March 22nd 1920 Frank and Emma Wagner brought into the world their only child Jennett Elizabeth in Chicago, Illinois. Jennett attended Sunday School as a child and also worked in her Aunt Vina’s Beauty Salon. She always was inspired by her Irish emigrant Aunt for her tenacity coupled with a kind spirit. Jennett attended Marie Flowers Technical and was later a Beta Sigma Phi while at Northwestern University. At a Ballroom dance in December of 1943, Jennett met Ralph W. Burton, an engineer/naval enlisted man. Two months later Ralph asked Jennett to marry him and one month after that she took a train to Jacksonville and they married. They moved to Pensacola where he was training bombardiers how to use the Nordon Bomb sight of which he was one of the designers. 4 years later, the Burton’s gave birth to their first child, Sharon Elizabeth, while living in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1953, they added their son, Thomas William, named after her Aunt Vina’s son Tom who was killed on Saipan. 2 years later in Bristol, Tennessee, they added Deborah Jennett to their clan. In 1961 the family moved to Orlando, Florida where Ralph joined several engineering buddies at Martin Marietta. In 1966, Ralph succumbed to Leukemia, and Jennett went to work for Crum’s Fuel Oil as their Bookkeeper to support her children and finish the job she and Ralph started. A bit scarred and feeling alone she drew on the inspiration and lessons learned from her Aunt Vina. She went on to become the Executive assistant to the President of a wire and cable company and later supervised the local printing operations for a global technology company located in Lake Mary. Jennett worked long past retirement age to ensure her financial stability. With her family she planned her golden years and provided the financial vehicles needed to provide for her care. Her son, Tom, and daughter-in-law, Ivy, coordinated the care for Jennett as she became less able to care for herself. With several caregivers, the family was able to keep Jennett at home in her bedroom where she crossed over into eternal life. The above picture of her and Ralph hung on the wall in her room. With her mind and cognitive abilities hampered by Dementia, she never forgot who that guy was in the picture. Soon, in the shade of some oak trees they will be together again in Arlington National Cemetery. She never remarried but depended on her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for her sustenance. Jennett leaves behind her 3 children, 3 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She achieved her goals by raising her family, passing on at home and leaving a legacy for her children. As one of her caregivers said, “She was one tough cookie!” She was 93. Well done, Mom! You are now safe at home with the Lord! Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, Florida 32751. (407) 695-CARE(2273).

Mrs. Jennett Elizabeth Burton

March 22, 1920 - June 29, 2013