Marie Burkett Hembree

Marie Burkett Hembree, age 83, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, made that wonderful cross-over into Heaven on the night of Monday, September 20, 2021 at Pardee Hospital.  Born in Woodville Township, North Carolina on May 26, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Merrick S. Burkett and Bessie M. Tillery.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Allen S. Hembree; and one brother, Jay Burkett.

Marie never met a stranger.  She was known for her big hugs and for loving everyone.  She would easily start a conversation with someone in the grocery store, and you were always known as honey, sweetheart, darlin’ or sugar to her.  She and her husband Allen shared a long and happy marriage of 63 years.  They enjoyed retirement in their mountain cabin nestled in the woods.  They shared a great love of all living creatures and felt such pleasure from seeing all the birds and animals around their cabin.

She adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, frequently telling them how proud she was of them and how much she loved them. Marie also loved her flowers and gardening and spending time in the yard seeing things grow.   And how she loved to sing!  When she was a teenager, Marie had the opportunity to sing on the radio.  Because she had such a beautiful voice, she sang solos in the church choir and the National Anthem at baseball games. She had a great sense of personal style, never leaving the house without having her hair done, and her eyelashes, make-up and lipstick on.

Marie will be remembered for her sparkling eyes, joyful laugh, and vitality for life.  Those left to cherish her precious memories are three daughters, Linda Dinh (Huyen), Anne Beckett (Daniel) and Debra Scott (Harvey); three sons, Guy Hembree, Drew Hembree (Angela) and Scott Hembree (Albert); fourteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by three sisters, Virgia Nichols (Jesse), Brenda Guill (Len) and Janice Wagal; and three brothers, Wayne Burkett (Julia), Richard Burkett (Jean) and Ray Burkett (Gail).

A private family service was held