Shirley Burnette
Born on January 27, 1941 in Cordova, AlabamaPassed on November 19, 2025, in Melbourne, Florida
Shirley was born in Cordova, Alabama and spent her formative years in the Hickory North Carolina area, and relocated to Brevard County in 1973. She started in the furniture business in 1958 at the age of 17, having apprenticed and journeymen at Hickory Chair and Ethan Allen. She opened her business that year under B&S Upholstery and officially retired in January 2021. Since 1979 she resided in Satellite Beach, of which she was extremely proud.
Shirley Burnette epitomized a southern belle down to the way she set the dining room table. “She never left the house without looking glamourous.” Said her husband Louis Andre Roy and daughter Michelle Ronah. She was dressed impeccably no matter where she went. She wouldn’t go to Publix without looking gorgeous, which she already was naturally.
It was unthinkable to not adore Shirley. She found the humor and silver lining even in the grimmest of situations. She was proud to be a southerner. Shirley graduated from Maiden NC high school and the Anita Priest Interior Design school, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Her professional involvement included: President of the local chapter of American Business Women’s association. She was a smart lady. Shirley accomplished what she set out to do with sustained dedication.
Survivors include her daughter Michelle Ronan, her son Terry Wayne Poovey, grandson Chris W. Ronan, granddaughter Jessica Jared Livingston, great granddaughter Ryleigh P. Ronan, and sister Diane Burnette.
Shirley was predeceased by her father, mother, two brothers and a sister.
Her presence amongst us was based on living a simple life countered with all its complexities. Family was foremost for her well-being. She professed the attributes of family partnership at any given opportunity. An esteemed professional she extended family values to her customers and clients.
Services will be at 1:30pm on Thursday December 8. 2025 at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.
