Sarah Ermalee Burnett

Sarah Ermalee Carlon Burnett passed away on March 28, 2017, at the age of 93 years. Erma was born on May 12, 1923 to Walter and Blanche Carlon of Hattieville, Arkansas, the third-oldest of twelve children. She graduated from Wonderview High School in 1941, where she was presented with the ""I Dare You"" Award and was also recognized as the outstanding female athlete. Immediately following high school, she attended the Draughn School of business in Little Rock, Arkansas. Later that year, during World War II, she began working for the FBI in Washington, D.C. under J. Edgar Hoover as a fingerprint expert in the Identification Division. While in D.C., she served as a captain on the FBI women's basketball team. In 1946 Erma returned to Arkansas. She married her best friend and high school sweetheart, Dr. Thomas David Burnett, on July 5, 1947 – a double wedding with dear friends Ford McReynolds and Louise Simons. The newlyweds moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Dr. Burnett completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Hillcrest Hospital. In 1949, Dr. Burnett joined the Armed Services as a Captain in the Medical Corp of the U.S. Army and was stationed in Osaka, Japan. Erma traveled by ship from San Francisco to Japan to join her husband, and later lived by herself in Japan when Dr. Burnett was called to serve in the Korean conflict. In 1950, Erma and Dr. Burnett returned to the United States from Japan and settled in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, where Dr. Burnett built a medical clinic with his childhood friend, Dr. Walter Cale. While Dr. Burnett established his medical practice, Erma lovingly raised their three children – Mike, Betty Ann and Jim Tom. Erma was active in the children's activities including PTA, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, Sapulpa High School Band Boosters, and sports. She was an active member of PEO, Chapter G, and served as chairperson of the Sapulpa Charity Ball. Erma was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Sapulpa where she served in many volunteer roles including teaching Sunday School. Erma and Dr. Burnett moved to Denver in February of 2006 to be near their family. They spent time traveling and loved watching their grandchildren participate in many sporting and cultural activities while growing into fine young adults. Erma loved her family, the Oklahoma Sooners, the Arkansas Razorbacks and sports (particularly football, baseball, basketball and golf). She loved reading when her eyes were willing. And, she loved to go shopping – even till the end. Erma is survived by her children: Mike (Vicki Ginn Burnett) of San Antonio, Texas; Betty (Dr. Herb Jacobs) of Denver, Colorado; and Jim of Lakewood, Colorado; grandchildren: Adam (Beth) Burnett of Eagan, Minnesota; Ben (Ellen) Burnett of Belton, Texas; Annie (Chad) Peter of Houston, Texas; and Sarah Jacobs of Denver, Colorado; great-grandchildren: Emily and Kate Burnett, Owen and Wyatt Burnett, and Stuart Peter; sister Melba (Don) Dietrick of Falling Waters, West Virginia; brothers John E. Carlon of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Ancel Carlon of Morrilton, Arkansas; sister-in-law Lois Carlon of Conway, Arkansas; and numerous nieces and nephews. Erma was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Thomas David Burnett; her parents, Walter and Blanche Carlon; sisters Margaret Evelyn Chastain Edwards, Francis Carlon, Mildred Sue Carlon, and Jean Himes; and brothers Raymond Carlon, Jim Carlon, Robert Carlon and Gilbert Carlon. Erma was one of a kind. She was so special in so many ways to so many people, and was loved by all. Services will be held Friday, April 7, 2017 at 1:30 P.M. at the Baptist Church in Hattieville, Arkansas. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Atkins, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Adam Burnett, Ben Burnett, Chad Peter, Herb Jacobs, Tommy Carlon and David Carlon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Building Fund of the First Baptist Church, 200 Elm Street, Sapulpa, Oklahoma 74066, or to the charity of one's choice. Please share memories of Erma and condolences for her family in the guestbook below.