Obituary of Kay Elizabeth Thompson Burnett

Kay Elizabeth Thompson Burnett, 68, of Bridgeport, WV passed away after her long-term courageous battle against metastatic breast cancer on Saturday, March 5, 2022 surrounded by her family. She was born at Grace Hospital in Welch, WV on August 26, 1953, a daughter of the late Allen G. Thompson, Jr. and Doris Masters Thompson. Kay is survived by one daughter, Lindsay Cunningham and husband Donavon and three children Piper Jade, Beckett Edward, and Archer Allen of Whitehall, WV. Kay often referred to her grandchildren as her “squirrels,” and she was their special “Gigi.” She loved telling them stories, painting, swimming, and spending time with them at the beach. They were the absolute loves of her life. Also surviving are four siblings, sister Allana “Frankie” Haase and husband Gary of Greenville, SC; sister Peggy Shortt and husband Dale of Roanoke, VA; sister Tammy Kinzer and husband Ray of Concord, NC; brother Jeff Thompson of Roanoke, VA; and several nieces, nephews, and their children. Kay is also survived by two people recognized as her “special sister” Cathy Fisher and husband “Uncle Dan” of Clarksburg, WV and life-long friend Sue Lucas of Williamstown, WV. Kay was a 1971 graduate of Gary High School. She graduated from Fairmont State College in 1974 with a B.A. in Elementary Education. She then went on to earn her master’s plus 30 hours in Reading from West Virginia University in 1979. Kay taught at Iaeger Elementary in the spring of 1975 and at Johnson Elementary from the fall of 1975 through spring of 2013. She retired in 2013 and continued to substitute teach from 2013 to 2018. Kay shined in her profession, and she truly loved helping her students learn and grow. Her influence in the classroom has extended well beyond her students’ third grade year. To this day, it is not uncommon for a previous student or parent to tell her daughter Lindsay and others how much of a profound impact Kay had on them or their children. She was grateful to hear that she was someone’s favorite teacher. Always humble, kind, and giving, a part of what she has taught all of us who knew her well, will live on in our hearts forever. Kay was just pleased knowing that she had touched a life. She enjoyed volunteering to help others in need, especially with her retired teachers’ hospice volunteer group. Her legacy came full circle at the end of her battle when a former student helped care for her during the last week of her life. Thanks to Rob Coburn, wife Amy, Joe, and all employees who cared for Kay at the Golden Harvest Circle of Care. Thanks to WVU Medicine Hospice nurses for your gracious care and support. You all provided peace and comfort at the end of her journey. Also, Kay wanted to thank the following doctors from WVU Medicine: Dr. Salman Osman, Dr. Lauren Tomes, Dr. Sanjay Bhatia, Dr. Joshua Weir, Dr. Michael Stewart; and also, a thanks to Dr. Jame Abraham at Cleveland Clinic. Kay wished to celebrate and thank those that supported her from “Team Gigi.” A big thank you to Sue, Jeanne, Gina, Pat, Janey, Mary, Cindy, Barry, Billy, Les, Cleghorns, Hartleys, Cathy and Dan, Penni, LuAnn, Kelly P., Aaron, Rose, and Julie. Kay’s strength through many of the obstacles in her life will always be admired, and her kindness and selflessness will never be forgotten. Our beloved “Gigi” was truly one of a kind. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Kay’s life at the Ford Funeral Home Allen Chapel, 215 E Main St., Bridgeport, WV on Saturday, March 26, 2022, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. A memorial service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at 2 p.m. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com. It was Kay’s wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to the Mustard Seed, 444 E Pike St., Clarksburg, WV 26301, WVU Hospice, 300 Davidson Run Road, Clarksburg, WV 26301, Visiting Angels/Golden Harvest Circle of Care, 212 Newton St., Bridgeport, WV 26330. Kay hoped to be celebrated, not mourned, and for all attending to show their love by wearing PINK!