Lise Burnett

Elizabeth Bullard "Lise" Burnett, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and sister-in- law, aunt, mentor and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the age of 77, surrounded by family at her home in Clarksville, Virginia.

Born on January 6, 1949, Lise was raised between Charlotte, North Carolina, where she spoke fondly of adventures with her cousins and neighborhood friends, and Aarhus, Denmark, where she lived with her Grandmother and beloved Aunt Ellen, namesake of her daughter. After completing her education at Charlotte Business College, Lise worked at the accounting firm of Price Waterhouse in downtown Charlotte where she met her future husband, James Richard Burnett, on his first day at work. Richard was soon drafted into the Army and the two eloped during a weekend leave from Ft. Gordon. After Richard’s tour in Vietnam, during which Lise sent him care packages so he could avoid eating in the mess hall, the couple settled into their first shared home in Watkinsville, Georgia in 1969 while Richard attended graduate school.

Two weeks after the birth of their son Jay in 1971, the couple relocated to Richard’s hometown of Clarksville. Lise soon began working downtown at Fidelity Bank where she developed not only a love for her adopted hometown, but also lifelong friendships that continued in the form of lunches with her bank co-workers up until she was too ill to leave home due to ALS. After leaving the bank to give birth to her daughter Ellen, she opened Burnett’s Home & Office Supply which was a staple in Downtown Clarksville for several years. Lise eventually embarked on a successful 40+ year career in real estate, initially as an agent with Triple C Realty before founding her own firm, Lise Burnett Real Estate Associates which became Century 21 On the Lake.

Lise loved her Lord and her many friends including her Up and Over Sunday School family, the Bluestone “62s” and West Mecklenburg Class of 66. Her numerous impacts on her community included being a faithful 50-year member of Clarksville Baptist Church where she served as church clerk and sang in the choir, recipient of the Kathleen Walker Lifetime Achievement Award from the Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce, and being a passionate advocate for an untold number of family members, friends, strangers and animals.

In addition to Richard, her devoted husband of 57 years, Lise is survived by her loving children, son James Richard "Jay" Burnett, Jr. and wife Jennifer, and daughter Ellen Elizabeth Burnett. She leaves behind two beautiful granddaughters, Abigail and Margaret "Maggie" Burnett, who were her pride and joy. Lise is also survived by her brother, Robert Lee "Bob" Bullard, III, sister Grethe Bullard Whitman and husband Billy, and sister-in-law Joan Andrews “Joanie” Burnett. She adored her nieces and nephews Mandy Burnett (Brian), Anna Riddle (Rick), Dane Whitman, Kirsten Whitman, Jessi Young (Charles), Caitlin Hice (Danny) and Rob Bullard (Molly), and her great-nephews and -nieces. Her parents, Robert Lee “Boyd” Bullard, Jr. and Kirsten Eisenbichler “Kris” Bullard, preceded her in death, as did her brother-in-law John Benjamin “Benjy” Burnett, Jr.

Lise’s death followed a brave, extended battle with ALS. She loved all people and maintained her positive disposition and servant’s heart despite the significant health challenges that marked her final 18 months. Her family would like to thank the dear caregivers whose love and care made it possible for Lise to remain home with family throughout her illness. A Memorial Service will be held at Clarksville Baptist Church on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Following the service, the family will receive friends in the church Fellowship Hall to share memories and celebrate Lise's life.

Arrangements for Lise are under the care of Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home, who are honored to support the family during this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Lise's memory to an animal-supporting charity of your choice. Lise will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.