Shirley Aline Burnette Witt

Shirley Burnette Witt, 85, went home to her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. She passed at the home she shared with her beloved husband in Rustburg, surrounded by her family.

Shirley was born in Bedford, Virginia to Barney Lafayette Burnette and Nannie Maude Jett Burnette, the youngest of ten children. An accomplished musician, Shirley spent many years in church choirs. She married Preston Arthur Witt in Bedford in 1956 and spent almost 68 happy years as his wife. Shirley was especially proud of being a volunteer at Guggenheimer and Centra Lynchburg General Hospital before retiring from service.

A loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to a large and affectionate family. Shirley is survived by her loving and devoted husband Preston as well as her children, in-laws, grandchildren, and great grandchildren: devoted son John Witt and daughter (in-law) Nancy of Rustburg, son Preston Witt and husband Chris Frederick of Texas, honorary son Charles D. Thompson of Appomattox, granddaughter Mindy Witt Kimmel and spouse John of Rustburg, granddaughter Rebecca Witt and partner Jeff Marley of Lynchburg, and granddaughter Jonni Firkins and husband Kaleb of Concord. She is also survived by her adored great-grandchildren John Witt, Jackson Marley, Collin Marley, Emma Firkins, Lilianna Kimmel, and Kai Firkins.

She leaves behind scores of cousins, nieces, nephews, and greats of all kinds.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Virginia Tolley, brother Barney “Buck” Burnette, sister Lois Reynolds Trent, sister Kitty Hunley, and brother Jimmy Burnette, and three siblings who passed in childhood. She is survived by her loving sister Loraine Trent and her husband David.

Visitation will be held at Tharp Funeral Home on Breezewood Drive on Sunday, April 7 from 3:00-5:00 pm. Funeral services will be led by Pastor Sam Stump (Norwood Baptist Church) at Tharp Funeral Home on Monday, April 8 at 11:00 am. Graveside service will be held at Timber Ridge Baptist Church at 3234 Timber Ridge Rd, Bedford, VA following the service.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.