Friends, family pay tribute to watermelon festival honoree

Jean Burnette hailed at fete

By HARVEY SIMPSON

CORDELE — What some thought would be a “roast” of Jean Burnette turned out to be a well-deserved “toast” instead to the longtime City of Cordele official Thursday night at the Retreat at Lake Blackshear.

The large turnout for the 2009 version of the “This Is Your Life” event held annually in conjunction with the Watermelon Days Festival heard only glowing words spoken of Burnette who is in her 50th year as a city employee.

From Frank Hudson, the honoree’s brother who kicked off the comments about her, to fellow Lions Club member Billy Hancock, who closed out the remarks about the city manager by the half-dozen or so speakers, the praise flowed not only freely but earnestly.

Hudson briefly told of his sister’s early childhood and school days in both Dooly County where she lived until age 10 and Pineview where she received her secondary education diploma.

He also spoke fondly of Burnette’s grandfather who in the 1920s became one of the first people to generate electricity by placing a windmill on the roof of his home and of an uncle who was one of the first corporate pilots.

Steve Burnette said the first thing his mother jokingly told him when she learned he would be one of those speaking at the fete was, “don’t tell any tales and don’t embarrass me.”

He painted a picture of his mother as “big on family” and added that trait must have rubbed off on him and his three siblings who accompanied him to the podium “as we’ve all been married 25 years or more.”

He also fondly described Burnette as “a very typical mom” and one who “goes all out for her grandkids who’ll be quick to tell you she’s a shopaholic.”

In reflecting upon her dedicated tenure with the city which she has served in a number of capacities since beginning work there in 1959 as the director of urban renewal, he observed, “she’s been working there longer than I’ve been alive.”

City commission chairman Zack Wade recalled that when Burnette came to work for the city, the space age was upon us, Dwight Eisenhower was president, a postage stamp cost four cents and the minimum wage was $1 an hour.

“Thanks to Mrs. Burnette, the land City Hall is built on and that the new courthouse is being constructed upon came as the result of her efforts (while serving as urban renewal director)” as did the railroad overpasses on Fifth Street and 24th Avenue.

Before presenting her with a key to the city, Wade emphasized that “virtually ever area of the city has been touched by her hand.”

Wade’s fellow city commissioner, Jeannie Bartee, began her remarks by observing that she had “roasted a turkey, a hen, prime rib and rib loin but had never roasted a friend — especially one that’s just come through the valley of the shadow of death (a reference to Burnette’s recent heart attack).”

In reflecting upon the era that the honoree began work with the city, Bartee said there were “two police cars, one motorcycle and six police officers” — a far cry from the comparable numbers of today.

She also lauded Burnette’s ability while serving as community development director. “No one can apply for and receive grants as expeditiously as she can,” said Bartee who noted the honoree also was due huge credit for the success the Sam Shortline railroad.

“She has given her all to the city and we appreciate it,” Bartee said in her final remark.

Representing the Crisp County Commission, Wallace Mathis reminded Burnette that he was “two years away from being born when you came to work for the city.

“To rise from the ranks of Pineview to the metropolis of Cordele is quite a success story and we’re proud that you’ve made it this long and are back (from her illness) and doing well.”

Yvonne Sikking, a longtime friend of Burnette, described Burnette as “a good sport,” laughingly remembering the honoree twice being routinely picked out for extended security checks as she came through customs after making trips outside the country.

“She maintained her cool and is just a special person,” Sikking said in earnest before jokingly ending her remarks with the observation, “And by the way, she doesn’t snore.”

Hancock, who during the course of his reflections fondly recalled his childhood days of growing up near the Burnette family, said when anyone asks him questions about old photos he refers them to G.W. Cofer.

If they want to know anything about old or former buildings, he steers them to Burnette.

“She’s a very kind, compassionate and loving person,” Hancock said before lauding her civic club service to the Lions Club of which she became the first woman president and subsequently received the highest award that can be bestowed on one of its members.

“Above all that can be said about you,” Hancock said in looking directly at the honoree, “we appreciate your willingness to go above the call.”

At the conclusion of the scheduled speakers, Keck & Woods Engineering Consultant CEO Eddie Williams said his firm members “can’t think of anyone more deserving of recognition.

“If someone wants to really be successful in public administration, they would do well to tag along with Mrs. Burnette,” Williams emphasized.

After accepting a crystal platter from Watermelon Days Festival chairman Arlene Holmes, Burnette ended the program with the observation, “I love this community and the people in it. I hope I can be with you all for many more years to come.”

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