Carla Kay Burngasser, age 75, passed away Sept. 13, 2018 in Jackson, Tenn.
Carla was born on May 7, 1943 in Roberts, Ill. to Carl and Ruby Bradley. She spent her childhood in rural Rantoul, Ill., with three brothers and a sister. A gifted musician, Carla regularly sang at First Christian Church and at local celebrations, including weddings. At one such occasion, sparks flew between her and the best man, a surgical technician at the nearby United States Air Force base. She married her husband of fifty-five years, David Burngasser Sr., on April 2, 1963. Together, they raised two children, David Jr. (Shelly) and Robin. She was a loving grandmother to her boys, Trey and Sidney.
Carla’s creative talents extended to ceramics and gardening – yellow roses were her favorite. She was an avid baker whose banana bread won top honors at the West Tennessee State Fair. Carla acted for many years as the unofficial costumer (and grandmother) of the Jackson Children’s and Teen Theatre and passionately served on the Advisory Board of the Ned R. McWherter West Tennessee Cultural Arts Center. She was also a member of the Citizen’s Police Academy and a Taekwondo practitioner of the brown-belt rank. Entertaining family and friends around the kitchen table was her greatest joy in life.
Carla was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. She is survived by her husband, children and grandchildren and was deeply loved by all who knew her – friends and family alike.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018 at 11 a.m., with a service to follow at 1 p.m., in the chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors. A memorial fund has been established in her honor at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
