MARTHA ANN KITCHENS BURDETTE

MARTHA ANN KITCHENS BURDETTE, of Oneonta, Ala., passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family. Martha was born Aug. 6, 1936, in Oneonta, Ala. to the late Cyrus and Lula Mae Kitchens. She was the second oldest of five daughters. She grew up in Oneonta and was educated at Oneonta High School, graduating with the class of 1954. Martha attended Snead Junior College where she met Bill L. Burdette of Snead, Ala. They became best friends, fell deeply in love, and were married in 1955. They attended Jacksonville State University and the University of Alabama together, majoring in education, which would become their lifelong passion. For over 50 years, Martha was a teacher at Oneonta City Schools where she taught music and drama, English, Latin, and Spanish. She also drove a school bus and helped managed the city swimming pool in the summertime. Most significantly, she established and directed the annual high school musical, which became a formative event in Oneonta, beloved by students and parents alike. Martha was a member of Lester Memorial Methodist Church, where she played the organ and the piano for 60 years. She loved being a part of the Methodist family, and most enjoyed traditional worship service on Sundays and rehearsing with the church choir. Martha loved the company of others, loved spending time with her family and friends, reading books and attending musicals, plays, and Music & Arts Week at Camp Sumatanga. Martha is survived by her husband, Bill; three children, Luanne McAnnally, Lydia Johnson, and William Burdette; three sisters, Dixie “Bunky” Daily, Ruth Miller, and Dr. Melinda Brooks; grandchildren Kit Johnson, Evan Johnson, and Mary Ann McAnnally; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by Cyrus Kitchens (father), Lula Mae Kitchens (mother), Mary Faust (sister) and Matthew McAnnally (grandson). A funeral service was held on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024 at Lester Memorial Methodist Church with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. Lemley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.