Carolyn Cofer Burnett, 84, of Tallahassee, Florida passed away on September 12, 2012 after an extended illness.
Born in Savannah, Georgia, she grew up in Jacksonville where she attended Landon High School followed by two years at the Florida State College for Women (FSU). In 1947, Carolyn transferred to the University of Florida in Gainesville as a member of its inaugural coeducational class and was elected the first president of the University of Florida’s Sigma Kappa Sorority chapter. She majored in psychology, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1949 as a member of the first class of graduating women at the University of Florida.
In 1950, she married Joe Arthur Burnett, Jr. of Jacksonville, her high school sweetheart. Lifelong Gators, Carolyn and Joe were world travelers and called both Florida and California home. An elegant and glamorous woman all of her life, she was the consummate shopper and decorator.
Her early work experience included teaching third grade at Arlington Elementary School in Duval County. She was then a credit manager for a company that sold home appliances, followed by a position in the Duval County Building Inspector’s office issuing permits for residential construction.
In the mid 80s, Carolyn became a business owner, establishing Carolyn Burnett Interiors of Pasadena, California. Upon her return to Tallahassee, Carolyn was a licensed broker who founded and managed the successful Carolyn Burnett Real Estate firm.
She adored Sophomore, a border collie mix, and Bentley, a Cairn terrier – her loyal and constant companions.
Carolyn is lovingly remembered by her husband of 62 years, Joe; daughter Wendy Burnett Miller, 60, and son-in-law Randy Miller of Tallahassee; daughter Holly Victoria Burnett, 47, of Arlington, Virginia; granddaughter Holly Randall Miller, Esq., 29, of Tallahassee; and brother Joseph B. Cofer, Esq. of Tampa.
An irreplaceable presence, she made life better.
A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Big Bend Hospice of Tallahassee.
Written by Holly Burnett
First published online September 14, 2012
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