Willie Mae Moore Burnes

Willie Mae Moore Burnes, 80, of Lenoir, passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Caldwell Memorial Hospital. Born June 11th, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Willie Ulysses Moore and Lois Crutch. Willie was a kind-hearted woman who faced many challenges in life, yet never hesitated to share what she had, even when it was little. She deeply loved her children, her family, and all those who cared for her. Her home was always open—she welcomed both family and friends, and even strangers, offering the clothes off her back and the food from her table. Known lovingly as “Big Mama,” she was a good woman who lived a long life filled with ups and downs. Her love, generosity, and strength will forever be remembered. We will miss you, Big Mama—rest peacefully in heaven.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Burnes; her son, Pleasant Burnes; her grandchildren, Pleasant III, Jabari, Jamila, Omari, Robert, Pleasant W., and Fatima; and many other family members and friends that she adopted as her own.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Pleasant "Peggy" Burnes.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. The Burnes family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.