Frankie Joanne Burchette

Frankie Joanne Burchette, known lovingly as Joanne, passed away on September 2, 2023. She was born on April 4, 1943, in Fort Worth, Texas, to the late Frank and Mildred Shaw. Joanne grew up in Weatherford, Texas, where she not only excelled academically but also displayed her passion for sports, particularly basketball. She was also a spirited cheerleader for the Weatherford Kangaroos, leaving a lasting impression on her friends and classmates.

In 1975, life brought Joanne and her two sons to Burleson, Texas, where she met the love of her life, Foreman Burchette. They shared 34 wonderful years of marriage until Foreman's passing in 2010. Joanne had a varied professional career, including working as a bank teller at F&M State Bank in Burleson and later obtaining her Teacher's Assistant certificate to teach computer lab at Taylor Elementary. She dedicated 14 years to her role as an educator, impacting the lives of countless students before retiring. After retirement, she chose to stay home and take care of her husband who had been suffering with health issues and her special needs adult son Nugget, as well as babysitting some of her great grandchildren. Joanne's greatest love was her family and she would take any opportunity for family gatherings and celebrations with all the trimmings and traditions. Those traditions are held sacred by the family she raised.

Joanne's devotion to her family was unwavering and unparalleled. She treasured each moment spent with her loved ones and cherished family gatherings, always embracing the traditions and creating lasting memories. Joanne never met a stranger, whether it be in line at the grocery store or knowing every single neighbor on her block. Her contagious warmth and outgoing personality endeared her to everyone she encountered. Joanne had an immense love for music, especially Elvis Presley, and would often find herself dancing joyfully to the rhythm. She possessed an innate ability to provide comfort and healing, whether it was tending to scraped knees or mending broken hearts with some neosporin or mentholatum.

Joanne found solace and spiritual nourishment as a member of the First United Methodist Church of Burleson, where she sought guidance and shared her faith. She also contributed to her community as a member of the first-ever Burleson Citizens Police Academy and served tirelessly as a member of the Burleson Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Additionally, Joanne coached basketball for the Special Olympics, positively impacting the lives of athletes.

Joanne's legacy lives on through her sons, James "Nugget" Burchette and Steven and his wife Melissa Burchette, and her grandchildren Andrew and wife Kimberly Peabody, Stormy Burchette, Jason Peabody, Sunny Burchette, Tyler Burchette, and Taylor Burchette. She was blessed with numerous great-grandchildren: Madison Martinez, Cason Burchette, Lily Peabody, Kyndall Durett, Oliver Burchette, Kate Peabody, Paisleigh Peabody, Hagen Burchette, Valin Hayworth, Anavei Burchette, and Charlotte Peabody. Joanne is also survived by her brother Charles Shaw, sister Donna Branch, as well as many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In eternal peace, Joanne joins her husband Foreman Burchette, her late father, Private First Class U.S. Army Frank Shaw, who laid down his life during World War II, and her beloved mother, Mildred Shaw. She is also reunited with her sister-in-law and best friend, Beverly Shaw.

Joanne's life will be celebrated and remembered during a Visitation on September 8, 2023 at 10:00 am at the Lucas and Blessing Funeral Home Chapel followed by a Funeral Service 11:00 am. The service will be a testament to her enduring spirit, vibrant personality, and the immeasurable impact she had on the lives of those fortunate enough to have known her.

Joanne, may you rest in eternal peace, knowing your legacy of compassion, love, and kindness lives on through all those whose lives you touched.