Mary Alice Burrell

Mary Alice Burrell, 75, of 234 Monte Vista Road, Candler, made her eternal journey home to be with her Lord Wednesday, May 3, 2006. Mrs. Burrrell was a native of Haywood County and the only daughter of the late George and Mamie Brown Rathburn. She had lived in Buncombe and Catawba counties since graduating from Waynesville High School. She also graduated from Blanton’s Business College and studied at Appalachian State University, UNC-Asheville, Western Carolina University and The Lee Institute of Real Estate. She was a Real Estate Broker and was a member of Enka Baptist Church. Mrs. Burrell worked at the Criminal Records division of the Clerk of Court. She was a past president and former Woman of the Year of the Asheville Business Women’s Association. In 1989-90 she was selected by the Who’s Who of Women Executives by the National Reference Institute for outstanding accomplishments and leadership, and is listed in the Library of Congress. She was a former member of the American Business Women’s Club and the Land of the Sky Ladies Civitan Club. She enjoyed gardening, reading and traveling. Surviving are her husband, J.B. Burrell; two sons, J.B. Burrell, Jr. and his wife, Marie, of Hendersonville and Kenn Burrrell and his wife, Sarena, of Leicester, and the loves of her life, her two grandchildren, Jasmine and Chandler Burrell. Her love was constant and family was very important to her. She gave a lot of smiles, hugs and kisses. She was tough as nails, stubborn, sometimes demanding, but also loving, caring, giving, and a beautiful person. What a mom! What a friend! What a person! Mary’s final wishes were to forego a funeral or memorial service. She requested instead that you gather together with your family and friends and spend time enjoying them. A graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with the Rev. Ron Brown officiating. Her family will greet friends at the cemetery 30 minutes prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ABCCM, 30 Cumberland Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801.