Ornie Mae Burrell, age 101, a native of Asheboro, NC, and a long-time resident of Ocean Springs, MS, was called home to her Lord Friday, July 20, 2018 in Ocean Springs.
Born to John Austin and Ethal Mae Sikes in Randolph County, NC, Ornie Mae married Carter Harold on October 14, 1940. In 1952, they moved to Fountainbleau, MS, and opened a shop where they made and sold chenille bed spreads. In 1957, they built a home on Highway 90 where she lived until 1997. She worked at and then managed the Taconi School Cafeteria from 1966 until 1974.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Carter Harold Burrell; and her grandchildren, Brent Burrell, Brandon Burrell, and Tammy Futral.
Survivors include her children, Vicky (Bill) Powell, Annette Pardue, Joyce (Gordon) Doolittle, Wanda Schloeman, Billy (Bambi) Burrell, Bobby (Marie) Burrell, and Judy Qualls; 21 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren.
Ornie Mae's family will receive family and friends on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with an 11:00 a.m. service, all at Belle Fountain Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park.
The family would like to extend a special thanks and gratitude to all the nurses, CNAs, and staff at the Ocean Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center for all the loving care they provided for Ornie Mae.
Ornie's Mae's Garden
She was a fighter, she never gave up. Her will was strong, her mind was sharp. A master at Scrabble, dominoes with friends. Don't get in her way, when bingo begins. She found a way, to get the job done. She worked very hard, up with the sun. Baking biscuits, sometimes twice a day. Known for her cooking, desserts a mainstay. Sewing for daughters, the rod for a son. She knew how, with seven, to get their attention. Fishing with cane, or a ball of twine. Fishing for specials, at Blue Light time. Flowers would smile, she could grow a stick. She knew when to plant, like a Farmer's Almanac. Dedicated to family, her love displayed, through her everyday works, and the life she made. A mother to all, our Eve of Eden. We are the flowers, in Ornie Mae's garden.