Alice Barbara “Suzie” Burdette (Kidney), age 86, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026. Born on May 2, 1940, in Ohio, Suzie lived a life defined by love, compassion, hard work, and unwavering devotion to her family and community.
As a young woman, Suzie moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, where she met the love of her life, Kenneth Howard Burdette. The two were married in 1957 and shared an extraordinary 69 years of marriage, building a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Together, Kenneth and Suzie raised three children: Howard Anthony Burdette (Jerlene), Tina Marie Dial (Gerald), and Timothy Clay Burdette (Stacy). Her family was the center of her world, and she took immense pride in watching it grow through the generations.
Suzie was a dedicated worker throughout her life. While living in Michigan, she worked at Michigan Carton and St. Regis Paper Company. After moving to Spencer, Tennessee, she pursued a calling that reflected her caring spirit by becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). She worked for NHC Nursing Homes, where she was known for her kindness, patience, and genuine concern for every resident in her care. She found great fulfillment in helping those who needed comfort, companionship, and love.
Everyone who knew Suzie knew she was a beam of light. Her warm smile, generous heart, and ability to make everyone feel welcome touched countless lives. She never met a stranger and freely shared her love and compassion with all who crossed her path.
Suzie had a special passion for gardening and flowers. Each summer, her home became a beautiful display of colorful blooms and well-tended gardens that reflected her nurturing spirit. Friends, family, and neighbors admired both the beauty of her flowers and the love she poured into caring for them.
Above all else, Suzie loved her family. Her beloved husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. She treasured family gatherings, holidays, and every opportunity to spend time with those she loved. Her grandchildren, especially, held a special place in her heart and brought her immeasurable happiness throughout her life.
Suzie was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Virgie Kidney; her brothers, Roy Kidney and Jeffery Kidney; and her sisters, Mary Dillion, Julia Miller, and Kathy Burchard.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Kenneth Howard Burdette; her children, Howard Anthony Burdette (Jerlene), Tina Marie Dial (Gerald), and Timothy Clay Burdette (Stacy); her siblings, Lewis Kidney (Christine), Sally Packham, and William Kidney (Dale); her sister-in-law, Bertha Shockley; along with her cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.
Though Suzie has left this earthly home, her love, kindness, and beautiful spirit will continue to bloom in the lives of all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the family she loved so deeply and the countless lives she touched through her compassion and generosity.
Funeral Services for Suzie will be held on Saturday September 12, 2026, at 11:00am in the Layne Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. William Shockley officiating. Burial will follow in Shockley Cemetery. Visitation times are Friday September 11, 2026, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, and Saturday September 12, 2026, from 10:00am until the time of service at 11:00am.
“Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.”
Send condolences to the family at www.laynefuneralhome.net
Layne Funeral Home & Cremation Services in charge of arrangements. (931) 946-4444
