Irene Hatcher Burnett

Irene Hatcher Burnett, age 93, of Ferrum passed away peacefully at home on Sunday morning, May 18, 2025. She was the daughter of the late James Walter “Peg” and Eula Mae Shively Hatcher. She is proceeded in death by her husband, Bill Burnett; daughter, Ellen Mae Burnett; son-in-law, Larry Prillaman; four sisters and one brother; and grandparents.

She is survived by her daughter, Joan Prillaman; grandchildren, Jennifer Talley (Greg), Marshall Prillaman (Trina), and Chris Prillaman (Shawn); great-grandchildren, Anna Prillaman Robertson (Reece), Tanner Talley (Friend, McKay), Jordan Price (Austin), Ashley Dawson (Luke), Bridget Prillaman (Fiancé, Kyler), and Laken Prillaman; great-great grandchildren, Ford Robertson, Jack Dawson, Baby Price and Baby Dawson #2 due in November; sister, Eva Burnett; and many other family members and friends.

Irene greatly enjoyed gardening and kept an immaculate yard with vibrant flowers and fresh produce. She was an excellent cook and cherished every moment in the kitchen and across the table from family and friends. Irene and her late husband, Bill loved each other deeply and poured their warm and genuine hearts into their family and whatever they set out to do. Whether Irene and Bill were hosting music in their basement or gathering folks for a meal, the special couple valued time with others and were true beacons of light in the community.

Irene especially enjoyed old-time music and cherished every opportunity to hear her grandson, Chris, play her daddy’s historic fiddle; her grandson, Marshall, play the guitar; and her granddaughter, Jenny, sing. She beamed with pride each time Chris drew the bow across that fiddle or her granddaughters stepped onto the dance floor to flatfoot.

Irene was beautifully poised in all she did. She was classy. She was prim and proper, and would never go about her day without tidying up and dressing her best. She was a woman of faith, a hard worker, and an intelligent lady. She set a strong motherly example and served as the homemaker for not just her family, but many others.

She shared an unbreakable bond with her late daughter, Ellen Mae who was born with special needs. Irene devoted sixty-seven years of love and safe keeping for her; and in return, family and friends experienced a lifelong blessing. Irene was a true matriarch of her family, dedicating her life to thoughtfully caring for each and every one of her children. She even became a great-great grandma in recent years and the family celebrated five generations. Irene’s greatest joy in life was her family or in her words “her darlings.” Her wisdom will forever endure. Her love will live forever in the hearts and minds of those who knew her. We love you to the ends of the earth, MaMa Irene. Well done, good and faithful servant. Matthew 25:23.

Funeral services will be conducted 11 AM Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home with Pastor Rick Poland officiating. Interment will follow in the Burnett Family Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 from 5pm-7pm. Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to Carilion Clinic Hospice of Franklin County, 453 South Main Street, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.

Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home and Crematory, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.