Serving Families in Their Time of Sorrow

Allen Burnett (October 8, 1924 – December 26, 2020)

Allen Burnett

Service Date: Saturday, January 2, 2021
Service Time: 10:00 AM
Service Location: Postell’s Mortuary Chapel
811 North Powers Drive
Orlando, Florida

Obituary:

Allen Burnett, 96, of Orlando, FL fell asleep and received his heavenly wings on Saturday, December 26, 2020. Allen was was a native of Zebulon, Georgia and relocated to Orlando, FL with his family at an early age and joined Carter Tabernacle CME Church. Allen served as a church officer for 70+ years as a Steward, Trustee, Church Treasurer, Class Leader and Lay Leader. He was a graduate of Jones High School. He was also a life member of the NAACP. Allen was always a pioneer and a God fearing man. He has truly walked by faith, leaning on the Lord. He also served his country with distinction and pride in the US Army.

Allen was successful in breaking segregation barriers by becoming a “Ham Radio Operator”, a hobby that was not once offered to people of color. His major breakthrough was in 1960, when he was one of 16 men and women recruited by the NAACP to integrate the Winn Dixie stores. The women were hired as cashiers and the males as stock clerks. Allen was the only one of the 16 who stayed with the company, in spite of the insulting remarks, taunting and other tactics used to make them fight back or leave the job. Allen persevered and eventually was rewarded with several promotions: Produce Manager, Assistant Store Manager and finally the Accounting Department, performing inventories for the various stores.

Allen was an active member of Carter CMEC, attending Sunday School, served as a Steward and member of the Historical Preservation Ministry and Ministry of Men. On Father’s Day, June 16, 2013, Allen was honored as the “Father/Pioneer of the Year” for his steadfastness, integrity and service to the Carter Church and this community.

He leaves to cherish his memory to his daughter, Wilda Burnett (Leo) Adderly, of Miami, FL; sister, Mae Boyd of Jacksonville, FL; daughter-in-law, Brenda Smith; 2 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren all of New Jersey; friend and caregiver, Ms. Pinkie Freeman; and a host of other relatives and many friends.

A service of celebration will be held on Saturday, January 2, 2021, 10:00AM at Postell’s Mortuary Chapel, Orlando, with Pastor James T. Morris, officiating. Interment: Washington Park Cemetery with full military honors.

15 Comments

  • Marva Bullock Posted December 30, 2020 9:02 pm

    Rest in power

  • Joyce Henson Posted December 31, 2020 2:30 pm

    God truly has gained another faithful angel. Rest In Peace, Mr. Burnett. Your encouraging words will always be remembered.

  • Madeline Poleon-Burnett Posted December 31, 2020 5:09 pm

    You’re gonna be missed uncle Allen. Job well done!

  • Mary Raglin Daniels Posted December 31, 2020 7:28 pm

    A life well lived through his faith and service. Mr. Burnett has always been a special person in mine and my sister Chritine and our parents James & Ella Raglin lives We send our sincere love and condolences to the Burnett family and to Ms. Pinkie Freeman.
    Mary Raglin Daniels & family

  • Carlton and Martha L Stewart Posted January 1, 2021 4:28 pm

    Because of you and others of your generation, sir, WE ARE! A simple thank you remains so inadequate.

  • Claudius & Johnnie Glover Posted January 1, 2021 7:01 pm

    Our sincere condolences to the Burnett Family. Mr. Burnett will never be forgotten for the love he showed to my family. Rest In Peace Sir!

  • Jones High School Class of 1965 Posted January 2, 2021 1:39 am

    The Jones High School Class of 1965 extend our condolences to our classmate Wilda Burnett-Adderly and family in the home going of her father. Given the exemplary and long life Mr. Allen Burnett lived, he garnered favor with God who in His Word says in:

    Psalms 90:10:
    The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Mr. Burnett lived 96 years!

    Scripture also tells us in 2 Corinthians 5: 8-9:
    8) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
    9) Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

    We believe Mr. Allen Burnett and fellow Alumni of Jones High School has been accepted of God!

  • Kay Barrington Posted January 2, 2021 4:44 am

    From childhood to adulthood, we ave seen your ‘acts of Love’.
    YOU will never ever be forgotten. Take your rest until we meet again.

    The Barrington’s
    Kay, Marcus & Mia

  • Rev. Dr. Vanessee Burns Posted January 2, 2021 3:00 pm

    Such a true solder for God’s Kingdom. Always gentle, honest and straightforward. The pauses before he spoke were signs of wisdom and grace. A live lived well.

  • Kariema Dean Posted January 2, 2021 3:06 pm

    RIP Uncle Allen! We will miss you. 😘

  • Diane Thomas Posted January 2, 2021 4:11 pm

    He will always have a special place in our family.

  • Frances Moore Posted January 2, 2021 7:31 pm

    Earth has no sorrow Heaven cannot heal.

  • Adria Johnson-Dorsher Posted January 2, 2021 7:33 pm

    Rest In Peace Uncle Allen.
    Your life was a blessing and your memory will be treasured

  • Lillian E Henderson Posted January 2, 2021 9:00 pm

    Mr.Burnett, I remember you as one of the first to welcome me to Carter Tabernacle. You were always a kind, gentle spirit. Rest in heavenly peace.

  • Denise L Williams Posted January 2, 2021 9:35 pm

    Rest in Heaven Mr. Burnett. You will be greatly missed!!!

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