Burnell Morgan Perry (Kays) Burnell was the seventh child born to the late James and Dora Morgan on February 19, 1932 in Whitesburg, Ky. She grew up in a loving family with 6 brothers and 3 sisters. Her father was a kind and gentle soul, working his land to provide for his family, he cried when at 20, Burnell cut her long red hair into a fashionable bob.
Dora was progressive for the era, teaching school while tending to the needs of a full house. You would be always be welcomed with a fresh glass of buttermilk and cornbread at her table. At the young age of five Burnell not wanting to be left behind, decided it was time to attend school with her older siblings and surprisingly was allowed to do so.
With the opening of the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant the family moved to Charlestown Indiana. Burnell graduated at 17 from the three story Brick School House that stood on the square. While working part-time as a hostess at the Charlestown Hotel, (now known as The Governor’s Mansion), on Water Street, she commuted via bus to Louisville, Ky to attend business school.
With a degree in business administration, she worked as an executive secretary for operation directors at IAAP and ICI. She parlayed her refined skills and became a successful real estate broker and agent. She relished being able to help families, often not charging her full fee.
In 1952, while driving around the square and barely able to see above the steering wheel, she “bumped” the man that would become her husband with the old Buick. A year later she and William, (Bill) E. Perry were married. Burnell loved to remember in vivid detail the time they lived on a lake in Moose Pass, Alaska.
She fell in love with the raw and splendid beauty of this region and developed a passion of fishing which she continued to enjoy for many years. Moving between Indiana and Alabama their family grew, finally settling on Charlestown. Burnell was fastidious in her appearance and those of her children, often sewing matching holiday dresses for the three girls.
She had high standards with a twist of humor, like the time Steve said he needed a note for school because he had missed the day before spending it at 14 Mile Creek. Vice Principal Reisinger opened the envelope, paused and then read aloud, “Please excuse Steve’s absence from school yesterday, he went fishing” Mrs. Perry. Burnell displayed unconditional love for her family, and projected an inner strength, never allowing adversity to keep her down.
She had a zest for life and an energetic step on the dance floor, which she perfected into a smooth and subtle shrug of one shoulder and a sway of the hip. She was an accomplished cook, the jingling tune from her pressure cooker created joy and anticipation of a tender roast with trimmings, fresh green beans, creamed potatoes…. .
an infinite variety of deliciousness. She memorized woodland plants, their genius or medicinal use by sight as told by her mother. Burnell always had a garden of Big Boy tomatoes and an assortment of beautiful but prickly rose bushes attended to in recent years by her devoted husband, Oscar.
With the blessing of grandchildren her voice would reach an octave of sheer delight when they would visit. Often making a pallet on the floor lining them up in a row like a litter of kittens. Only to rise and spend the day making sweet memories of trips to the zoo, a cabin on the lake or a warm sandy beach.
Burnell loved to travel with family to Kentucky lakes, Florida beaches and cathedrals in Italy. She was a devoted sister, meeting with her siblings at the Legion, hosting holiday meals, and later providing doting care. The last several years she lived happily and contently with her husband Oscar Kays in Jeffersonville.
With her change in needs, Burnell moved to Hopkinsville with her daughter, Debbie Milburn and family, who provided unwavering devotion and care. She was surrounded by her loving family, their thoughts and prayers, as she gently passed on Sunday, June 17 th to join those that have been waiting. Loved ones that cleared the path for Burnell are: Son: Stephen P. Perry and Grandson: Stephen E. Perry Sisters: Lillian Fields, Tina Blake & LaVeda Grider; Brothers: Clemon, Hurstle ,Verlon , & Venice .
Son in-law: Bud Roye’ (he’ll be looking forward to dancing with her to the tune of “play that funky music white boy” Loved ones that will remember her youthfulness and miss her terribly until they meet again; Children: Debbie Milburn (Michael), Gwen Roye’, Billy Perry (Paula), and Jenny Kemp. Step-children: Kathy Dorsch (Bill), Terri Kruer (Jeff), Sherri Lynn (Dwayne), & Danny Kays (Anita). Grandchildren: Becky Milburn, Andrea Flynn (Tim), Adam Milburn (Veronica), Morgan Bush (Jordan), Cammie Ebright ,Charlie Howell (Veronica), Doug Roye’, Brandon Perry (Simran), Dylan, Andrew, Elliott Kemp.
And an even dozen of assorted Great Grandchildren. Brothers: Hubert (Montina) Morgan and family. Wade Morgan and family.
Sister In-law: Eula Morgan and family Burnell, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and wife will be missed for her unconditional love, sense of humor, compassion, and of course her fried chicken. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, June 22, 2018 at 2pm at the Grayson Funeral Home in Charlestown, with burial to follow in the Charlestown Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Friday after 10am till time of the service.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
