Elise Josephine "Jo" Carswell Burnette

Elise Josephine "Jo" Carswell Burnette, 77, went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 2, 2010, at The Lutheran Home after battling an 18 year fight with Alzheimer’s Disease. Josephine was born in Burke County on January 6, 1933, a daughter of the late David Blumie Carswell and Lacie June Yount Carswell. She was a lifelong and faithful member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, serving as a Sunday School Teacher and Choir Director. She was a passionate Christian who loved the Lord with all her heart. She was a walking example of how the Bible teaches us to live our lives daily. She was very tenderhearted, always willing to help others. Before she became sick, she was always visiting the elderly and the sick, bringing along with her, the delicious homemade apple pies that she was known for. She was a retired Health Care Tech from Broughton Hospital, an excellent place to work since she always putting others before herself.Those left behind to cherish her precious memory are her son, John David Burnette and wife, Lynda of Morganton; her daughter, Brenda Kay Small and husband, Winston of Morganton; grandchildren, Mitchell Burnette and wife Renee, Tracy Burnette, John Burnette and wife Frances. Michelle Burnette, Ronnie Burnette, Brandi Small and Robin Burns and husband Brent; and thirteen great grandchildren; a sister, Virginia McCurry of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.Josephine is preceded in death by her husband John "J. C."Burnette,; a wonderful son, Ronald Wayne Burnette, and two sisters, Elizabeth Duckworth and Marie McCurry.The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, November 4, 2010 at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church with Dr. Dewey Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour before the service. At other times the family will be at the residence of Brenda Small. Memorial gifts can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Mountain Office, 31 College Place, Ste D 320 Asheville, NC 28801-2644. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.