Susan “Sue” Rebecca Burnette, a woman whose faith was her compass and whose family was her heartbeat, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, at the age of 83. From her earliest days in Hartford, Indiana, to her final years surrounded by loved ones, Susan lived a life that reflected the very essence of generosity, love, and unwavering devotion to God.

Born on December 19, 1942, to Norma and Paul Dalton, Susan grew up with simple, profound dreams—to become a wife and mother. She carried that vision from the fields of Indiana to the sunshine of Tampa, Florida, where she graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1960. It was through the doors of a church that Susan would meet William Burnette Sr., the man who would become her lifelong partner. Their union, rooted in shared faith and mutual devotion, became the foundation upon which Susan built her life’s greatest treasures.

Susan’s calling to motherhood was realized through her children, William Burnette Jr., Rhonda Burnette, and Julia O’Dell, whom she raised with boundless love and selfless dedication. She placed their needs above her own, a quality that would define her throughout her life. Her greatest joy was found in the laughter of her grandchildren, and she would have considered any day spent with them to be perfect. Whether it was watching “Dancing with the Stars” together or simply sharing quiet moments, Susan had a remarkable ability to make everyone around her feel happy, loved, and accepted.

Her professional life included years of service with USAA in the insurance industry, but it was her volunteer work that truly showcased her servant’s heart. For a decade, Susan delivered meals through Meals on Wheels, a ministry she embraced through her church. She felt passionated about providing love and support to her community through her faith, and she approached each delivery not as a task, but as an opportunity to extend God’s grace to those in need.

Susan was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Plant City, where her faith served as her guiding light. Her relationship with the Lord was not merely a part of her life—it was the very foundation upon which everything else rested. She lived her life for the Lord, and her proudest achievement was knowing that her days reflected His love. Her faith carried her through life’s joys and challenges alike, and she approached each day with the quiet confidence of someone who knew where her true home lay.

Susan found beauty in God’s creation, particularly in the mountains of North Carolina and the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland. These places stirred her soul and reminded her of the majesty of the Creator she served so faithfully. She cherished these moments of wonder, often reflecting on how blessed she was to witness such splendor.

Those who knew Susan remember her as someone who always made sure others were taken care of before herself. Her generosity knew no bounds, and she used her free time to bring happiness to her family. She had a gift for making people feel valued and cherished, and her thoughtful, humorous spirit could lighten even the heaviest of hearts. Susan wished to be remembered as a woman of faith who always placed family above her own needs—a legacy she fulfilled in every sense.

Susan was predeceased by her parents, Norma and Paul Dalton.

She is survived by her devoted husband, William Burnette Sr.; her children, William Burnette Jr., Rhonda Burnette, and Julia O’Dell and her husband Wayne O’Dell; her cherished grandchildren; and her older sibling.

She will be missed and remembered forever.