Jay Lynn

"A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things..." Matthew 12:35

The first time I met Jerry "Jay Lynn" Burnette was at a Church state convention in 1995. My precious father-in-law had died in 1994, and my mother-in-law, Jean, had been seeing Jay for a few months. I watched her slide her arm under his as we sat during one of the services, and I was suddenly possessed with an anger I had to fight down! Who was he to show up with Jean like this? How dare they...! I held back tears and began to pray as I sat there, finally asking "How dare I take this attitude?" God, bless Him, calmed me that day, and quickly began to show me what He had already confirmed to them: this match was indeed made in Heaven. Jay's wife had died shortly after Ray. Jay, though a good man, had never followed his wife's devotion to the Lord. After her death, he was saved, and, he said, needed someone beside him to help him in his spiritual walk. Jean, a Christian woman, needed a strong man to support and love her. In short, they were perfect for each other.

Jay was a simple man, kind, honest, and loved and respected by all who knew him. He loved to fish, hunt, and plant. His garden was widely known for producing some of the best vegetables around. He could catch more fish in one weekend and more deer in one season than some outdoorsmen could have hoped for. Jean shocked us all by eagerly joining him. This quilting/sewing/every-hair-in-place city girl soon had her own rods, reels, and deer rifle. What he caught and grew, she would cook, can, or put in the freezer. Dennis loved to say aliens had abducted his Mom and left the new Jean in her place.

There was no wanting around Jay. If there was need Jay could fill, it was filled to overflowing. Many an elderly member needing something fixed found a ready handyman in Jay. His gardens and freezers were open to those in need, and to those who just dropped by for a visit. But his greatest gift to us, his adopted family, was his love. "Papa Jay" was a joy to Jean's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to have all of us around. He delighted us with his stories; he willingly shared his every possession; and, in the dark days after Dennis' brother was killed, Jay was our rock. He was Jean's strength and consolation through it all.

Jay left us suddenly on Saturday, April 17, after a short illness. Jean said it was as if he turned on his side, closed his eyes in this world, and opened them in Heaven. I thank God He gave Jay such a peaceful transition. I thank Him that Jean had almost 15 happy and wonderful years with him. But, more than anything, I thank God that He allowed our family to be so mightily blessed by this loving, funny, generous, and Godly man.

We love you, Jay.