Vita L. Burnett

Vita “Patsy” Lestrene Burnett was born on September 6, 1945 in Biabou, St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Stella King and Ligz Johnson. Vita was a bright and studious child, who was always eager and enthusiastic to answer questions in school. This love for learning led Vita to become a teacher as a young woman. Vita always worked very hard to provide for her children, ultimately moving to Barbados to make a way for her two young daughters, Karen and Michelle and then her son Rohan. In Barbados, Vita was an active and passionate member of her community. Vita proudly participated in the Landship, an organization championing the cultural pride of Barbados, preserving indigenous dance and supporting low-income people in the community. As a faithful child of God, Vita loved singing and delighted in mesmerizing her church family with her voice at Sunday service and other church events. Vita possessed an entrepreneurial spirit and loved selling clothing and accessories in town, all while socializing with the other ladies who bought and sold in Bridgetown, Barbados. More than anything, Vita had a large and loving heart. The doors of Vita’s home were always open to any person or child in need of a place to rest their heads. Vita took in many orphaned and hurting children throughout the years, which led to her adoption of two other daughters, Keitha and Harriette, whom she loved like her own. Even though Vita had little, she truly gave a lot. In 2011, Vita emigrated to the United States, shortly after which, she was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2012. However, this could not defeat Vita who overcame even this life-threatening obstacle with endless prayer and unwavering faith. Even losing her hearing a few years later did not shake her, instead Vita continued on unfazed, despite such a life-altering disability. Vita loved shopping, doing activities at her day program like Bible quizzes and bingo, and spending time with her family, friends and her beloved dog, Luna. Vita has graciously passed her fervor for life and God onto all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and she will be sorely missed. Vita is preceded in death by her mother Stella King, brothers Arden Burnett, Clinton Burnett, George Burnett and her daughter Keitha Forde. Vita leaves to cherish her memories: her daughters Karen Blackman, Michelle Leuci, and her son Rohan Johnson, his father Keith Walcott and her daughter Harriette Weekes. Her brother Ken Johnson and her sister Carmel Woodley. Her grandchildren Akeem Johnson, Cherish Blackman, Kadeem Blackman, Jamela Wharton, Treasure Blackman, Ahtiek Mascoll, Kaylee, and Serenity Wickam. Her great-grandchildren Jaden Johnson, Amare Johnson, and Cason Johnson and a host of other family, including nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and dear friends. Family and friends may call at the Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home Tuesday, January 7th from 11am-1pm. Funeral Service immediately following at 1pm at the funeral home. Interment, Westside Cemetery, Chili, NY.

Vita L. Burnett

September 6, 1945 - December 29, 2024