Ethel Burnette, a true Garner native, celebrates 100 years

Posted December 29, 2009 at 12:39 pm and filed under Community, Featured.

By Barry E. Moore
Executive Editor

On Dec. 12, 1909, nearly six years after the Wright brothers’ flight and five years before World War I erupted, the Wrenn family welcomed a baby girl to their country home. Ethel Wrenn Burnette was born in Cade Springs, around where Hebron Church and White Oak roads intersect in present-day Garner.

Ethel Wrenn Burnette greets a guest at her 100th birthday celebration at New Bethel Baptist Church Saturday, Dec. 12. BARRY MOORE, GCNT

Ethel Wrenn Burnette greets a guest at her 100th birthday celebration at New Bethel Baptist Church Saturday, Dec. 12. BARRY MOORE, GCNT

The family home, built in 1907, still stands today at the corner of Clifford and Bryan roads, albeit with a few renovations and upgrades. Burnette walked to school at Cade Springs, a school that no longer exists and has long been forgotten.

She married R.G. Burnette in 1928. They were married for 42 years until his death in 1970. The couple had two children, R.G. Jr. and Martha, who both still live close to their mother.

Burnette’s civic duties were varied, and she was just as dedicated to them as she was to her family and church. She has been a member of the Carolina Country Club since 1954 and has been a member of the New Bethel Baptist Church for the past 88 years.

In honor of her long life, Burnette’s family and friends held a celebration at New Bethel Saturday, Dec. 12. Burnette received an official congratulation from Gov. Bev Perdue and was expecting one from President Obama too, but it didn’t make it in time for her party.

The celebration at New Bethel was both festive and in good keeping with recognizing those who have laid the groundwork for what this community is today.

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