Henri Etta Gurganus Hardeman Burnett danced into the arms of our Lord on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. She was born in Wilmer, Alabama to Minnie Amelia Sheldt Gurganus and Henry Lofton Gurganus. She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Julius Frank “Chic” Hardeman, then her beloved husband of 63 years, Ernest Elmore Burnett, her “big” sisters, Marion Lewis, Laura Evelyn Ray and Annie Bernice (Bunny) Barter and her nephew, Joe Pierce. She is survived by her cherished daughters, Mary Amelia “Amie” Burnett (Marty) and Laura Lee Cushing (Steven), her adoring grandchildren, Arlo Aslan Todd, Noah Lane Gordon, Rachel Nokomis Cushing and Zoie Adell Cushing, three great- grand daughters and one great-grandson; as well as five devoted nieces and nephews.
Julius (Chic) Hardeman, her first husband, was killed in Korea at the age of 21. She looked for five years before she found Ernie, saying she was blessed to have married two good men when some women can’t find one.
She also felt blessed to graduate from Murphy High School in 1948, because it was the last year that only eleven grades were required.
She grew up at 917 Church Street, two blocks from Government and Broad, Albright and Wood Drug Store, The Electric Maid Bakery, The Toddle House and that beautiful Methodist Church. In her younger years, she was a member of the Order of Polka Dots Mystic Society.
Henri worked at Mobile Paint Company (BLP) for 5 years, then was secretary to the Professor of Military Science and Tactics at Springhill College for another 5 years, interrupting her career to be a stay-at-home mom.
When the girls were older, she snapped her fingers and said, “you know, I think I’ll be a nurse.” And she then graduated from Mobile Infirmary School of Nursing in 1972. After working at Mobile Infirmary and Doctor’s Hospital for two years, she happily served as school nurse in the Mobile Public School System for 17 years and at the same time earned her B.A. Degree in Health Education.
Her favorite things were animals, music, dancing, and gardening. She especially enjoyed ballroom dancing – but only with a good partner. Her love of gardening lead her to become a Master Gardener.
Henri was a member of her beloved Zion Lutheran Church in Silverhill where she and Ernie served in many capacities over a period of forty years.
For five years she was honored to be a part of the South Baldwin Literacy Council as a reading instructor.
September 23, 1931 - June 13, 2023
Graveside services will be held Friday, August 4, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Mobile Memorial Gardens, 6100 Three Notch Rd. Mobile, AL 36576. The following day, Saturday, August 5, 2023, there will be a Celebration of Life which will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 15875 4th Avenue in Silverhill, AL, at 10:00 AM, with the Rev. Paul Kinney officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family in the Fellowship Hall where lunch will be served.
