| Graduation Year | Class of 1977 |
| Date of Birth | Nov 06, 1959 |
| Date of Passing | Jun 25, 2023 |
| About | Lora Lee Barnes was the youngest child born to Lloyd E. Barnes and Ruth N. Bradberry on November 6, 1959. She was preceded in death by her parents and two older brothers, William Lloyd Barnes and David Blaine Barnes. Surviving siblings are her brother Ronald Alton Barnes (Evelyn Joy) of Safford and her only sister, Lisa Louise Barnes-Rogers (Michael) of Charlottesville, Virginia. On February 17, 1979, she married her high school sweetheart, Joseph T. Burnett and they were blessed with 3 beautiful children. Jeremiah Joseph, Calee Marie (Ryan Maxwell) and Garrett James (Gabriella LeCarre), three grandchildren, Bailey Nicolette, Chloe and Sophia Alexandra. Music was a huge part of Lora's life and following her graduation from Safford High School in 1977, she was crowned Miss Graham County and went on to compete in the Miss Arizona contest. Throughout her life, she taught music lessons, played the church organ and had an incredible singing voice. Lora worked as a 911 supervisor for the Bakersfield California Police Department for 15 years, but in 2002, her health took a turn for the worse, causing her to take early retirement. She had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 19 years old and had valiantly fought the disease and eventually was able to obtain a kidney transplant which dramatically helped to improve the last 12 years of her life. Lora never complained and always put others ahead of her own needs. She was an incredible cook and baker and fed not only her neighbors, but others who she felt were less fortunate. She was truly a great inspiration and loving person. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on June 25, 2023. |
