On Monday, November 7, 2022 Gale L. Burnett, a beloved wife and mother, passed away. Gale was seventy-one years of age. She was born on July 26, 1951, in Richmond, VA to Robert E. McLaughlin Sr. and Jesselyn J. McLaughlin. Her family moved to Brooklyn, NY in 1956. At an early age, Gale, her Brother Robert and her Mother Jesselyn began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. They found real life (1 Timothy 6:19) by learning about Jehovah and walking in the way of Truth. (Isaiah 48:17) Gale soon thereafter dedicated her life to Jehovah and was baptized on June 9,1973. While regularly attending meetings Gale met her husband to be, Jimmie Burnett. The two were quite a pair and had a wonderful time getting to know one another. They were married at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on February 15,1975. They were part of the Brooklyn Lafayette Congregation for over 30 years. Gale and Jimmie went on to raise their growing family. Gale, the loving and nurturing mother to Angela and Mark, and was overjoyed to welcome another son and daughter Phillip and Yolanda. Gale was happiest raising her family and being devoted to her loyal and loving husband, Jimmie. Gale was known for her infectious laugh, her hugs, her generosity and she was very encouraging to others. Gale was a remarkable woman who loved to sew and make her own clothes as well as clothes for all of her children. While with her friends and spiritual sisters her best conversations were when she talked about Jehovah God and his promised perfect future for us in Paradise and wished this for all her friends and family. In 2016 Jimmie moved the family to Lawnside, NJ where he and Gale began attending the Haddonfield Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. There they were received with love and they returned that love! Gale enjoyed her ministry. She was always participating in some form or another each week and she tried to auxiliary pioneer at least 2 to 3 times a year. She knew where everyone else’s return visits were, something about them and what the last conversation was about. She loved to travel especially with the children. She introduced them to new things to broaden their horizon. Gale loved to travel with her husband and friends to places such as New Orleans, Alaska, Seattle Washington, Hawaii, the Corolla Islands and the Poconos. She had the privilege to travel with her husband and close friends to an International convention of Jehovah's Witnesses in Austria. She also loved her girl's trips with her close girlfriends. She loved playing cards and board games. Like her late mother Jesse, Gale was animated by good music. She could always be found on a dance floor dancing at gatherings and even dancing with the children at children’s parties. She especially loved music. She liked to enjoy herself and liked being around people who did the same. As far as cooking, she left that up to Jimmy since his retirement but when needed she would always cook up a quick and fulfilling meal for who ever stopped by.

                      A Special Note

Gale once said that growing up, she wanted to become a pilot. After becoming a mother to Angela Grace she found her true passion — taking care of children. So, she opened a nursery in her Brooklyn brownstone, taking care of infants and small children, most of whom were the children of brothers and sisters (Jehovah’s Witnesses) in her neighborhood. On meeting nights, in addition to her own children, Gale took extra care to make sure the children in her nursery had naps, were bathed, their hair was done, and they were dressed for the meetings when their parents picked them up. The children in Gale’s nursery learned to walk, read and were potty trained early on. Gale was serious about education and exploration in her nursery. She took them on frequent outings… The Bronx Zoo, Coney Island, picnics in Prospect Park, and even a trip to Disney World with all of her spiritual sisters and their children. It was by way of her nursery that Gale created an amazing extended family. Gale had no blood sisters, so she turned the spiritual sisters that entrusted her to care for their children into her sisters. (Proverbs 18:24) And, all of their children affectionately called her “Auntie Gale”.

Harriet Chavis became her sister as she cared for her children, Nvette, Lamont, Genese, and Marquise.

Stephanie DeJesus became her sister as she cared for her children, Stasha and Stevie.

Shari Dudley became her sister, as she cared for her sons, Ian and Devin.

And Flora 'Kookie'Gambs became her sister, field service partner, and trusted friend as she helped raise her three daughters, Ghei-Ghei, True, and Melissa and granddaughter Olivia from infancy. And was an affectionate Aunt to Charles.

It was her sister “Kookie” Gambs who, in 2016, invited newly-retired Jimmie and Gale Burnett to move close to her in suburbia, New Jersey, where their field service partnership and 44-year friendship continued.

And as the children she helped raise grew into adults, whenever they needed a place to lay their head for a moment, they knew Auntie Gale would always take care of them. She was unconditional love, personified. Always overjoyed whenever her children and the children she cared for got married, had babies, graduated school, found work they were passionate about, and of course, when they got baptized. When they were happy, she was happy. Gale was always surrounded by, and beloved by, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as the children she helped to raise.

Gale loyally took care of her ailing daughter Angela and her mother Jessie, she assisted in the care of her brother Robert and she often visited her father Robert Sr. in the nursing home all whom preceded her in death. On November 7, 2022, Gale fell asleep in death from unexpected pulmonary complications. She is survived by her Husband, Jimmie, son's Mark and Phillip (wife Nyema) and daughter Yolanda. Her siblings Saquan, Evelyn, and Brandon Her sister in law Brenda, niece Rachel (husband Randy). Her 8 precious grandchildren, Tanasia, Shaun, Ramel, Jamel, Tyler, Chaise, Mekhi and Mason. Her 4 precious great grandchildren, Tamia, Aniyha, Amari and Zaeem. Her wonderful great nephew Adenijah and great niece Cheyenne. Gale also loved and raised countless other children. Her family and Christian brothers and sisters yearn to see her again. They have hope and believe in Jehovah's promise of a resurrection. (John 11:25-26)

Family Acknowledgement: The family of Gale Burnett wishes to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us following our sad loss. We offer our heartfelt thanks to all who provided emotional and practical support for us at this difficult time. For those who telephoned, traveled long distances, sent floral arrangements, cards, messages of condolences, and prayers, we are truly grateful to those who helped in anyway. Your contribution made our loss more bearable. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgment as an expression of our deepest gratitude from her family.

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