Nancy Melinda Burleson, 59, died suddenly Saturday, April 27, 2013, at the North Mississippi Medical Center. She was a member of Fulton United Methodist Church. For over 20 years, she thrived in her career as an educator specializing in English, literature, and speech. She taught at Vicksburg, Grenada, Iuka, and Smithville and substituted in Itawamba County before retiring for health concerns. An artistic individual, she had a true love for teaching and her students and was an staunch supporter of her former students.
Services will be at 11 a. m. Tuesday, April 30, at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Fulton with the Rev. Phillip Box officiating. Burial will be in the Hillcrest Masonic Cemetery.
Survivors include her mother, Honey Burleson, of Fulton; two sisters, Rosanne Hilbun of Starkville and Angel McKinion (Ricky) of Philadelphia; two brothers, Bill Burleson (Patsy) of the Evergreen community and Bob Burleson (Robin) of Georgetown, Texas; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, William G. “Big Bill” Burleson.
Pallbearers will be her nephews: Ben Hilbun, III, William Hilbun, Will Burleson, II, Chip Burleson, Jake Burlson, Natchez Burleson, and Hunter Gibson.
Honorary pallbearers will be Howard Smith, Reid Smith, Dr. Billy T. Collum, Lonnie Harris, and Luzerne Wheeler.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p. m. Monday, April 29, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fulton United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 301 East Main Street, Fulton, MS 38843 or to Hillcrest Masonic Cemetery, c/o Charles Spencer, 925 East Main Street, Fulton, MS 38843.
