Irene Mancil Burkett

Mrs. Irene Mancil Burkett, age 88, of the Wesley Chapel Church Community in Coffee County, passed away Friday, July 31, 2009 at Southern Senior Living in Douglas, Ga. following an extended illness. Miss Irene, as she was often referred to, was born on December 30, 1920 in Atkinson County. She was the daughter of Hiram Mancil Jr. and Mary Ann Corbitt Mancil. She was the granddaughter of Colonel Washington Corbitt and Hiram Mancil Sr. who were both veterans of the American Civil War. Her great-grandfather was Seth Durham who was one of the earliest South Georgia settlers. Miss Irene was a passionate family historian and amateur genealogist. She served for many years as the president of the Mancil-Taft Family Reunion, which was held annually in Atkinson County. In her early years she worked for Douglas Aircraft in Tulsa, Oklahoma during World War II as a riveter and inspector. After World War II, she returned home and was a cattle farmer and an avid gardener. Mrs. Burkett was a member of Wesley Chapel Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren H. Burkett; one brother, McAdoo Mancil; three sisters, Laura M. Davis, Ruth Mancil, and Kate Mancil; two half brothers, Oral and Grover Mancil. She is survived by her sister, Ada Mancil Walker of Waycross, Ga; Nieces, Lizzie Watson of Pearson, Ga. and Christine Walker Stringer of Panama City, Fla; Nephews, Henry Foye Walker of Pearson, Ga; Connie Dale Walker also of Pearson, Ga, and Bruce Mancil Walker of Waycross, Ga; One Special Great Nephew, Bobby Mancil and wife Judy of Pearson, Ga; One step-daughter, Gail Smith; 4 step-grandchildren, Melissa McClellan, Sandy Gail Jump, Mary Ann Hursey, and Lydia Davis. 7 Step-Great Grandchildren and numerous other great nieces and great nephews along with many friends also survive. Funeral services for Mrs. Burkett were held on Sunday August 2, 2009 at 2:00 P.M., at Wesley Chapel Holiness Baptist Church in Pearson, Ga. with Rev. Larry Johnson and Rev. Ed Gilliard officiating. Special musical selections included, "Lord, I'm Coming Home", "Getting Ready to Leave this World", and "He Touched Me" all rendered by the Sunnyside, Mt. Pleasant and Wesley Chapel Church Choirs, accompanied by Lilla Deems at the piano. Also "Amazing Grace" was rendered by the congregation with Lilla Deems at the piano. Soft music for the Prelude and Postlude was provided by Lilla Deems, pianist. The interment followed in Royals Cemetery. Serving as active pallbearers were: Matt Davis, Jamie McClellan, Craig Jump, Kenny Hursey, Ferrell Burkett, and Robbie Mancil. Serving as honorary pallbearers were: Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Taft, John and Peggy Guthrie, Jimmy and Louellen Carter, Roger and Susan O'Steen, Joyce Johnson, Clifford and Odessa Taft, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Smith, and Seth and Bonnie Mancil. Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson, Georgia was in charge of the arrangements. Online sympathies may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.relihanfuneral.com.