Mary Vaughan Burnett died peacefully at her home in the Marshes in Savannah, Georgia at the age of 91.

Mary was born in El Paso, Texas, graduating from Texas Western University and becoming an elementary school teacher before her children were born. Mary has always been a pillar of her community, supporting her husband, Dr. Robert Burnett, in his role as the 5th President of Armstrong Atlantic State University. She played a crucial role in her husband’s presidency offering sound judgement and a charming presence. In the fall of 2002 Mary was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters for her many years of service to Armstrong.

Throughout her adult life, Mary was a community volunteer with many nonprofit organizations focusing primarily on education, health, and the arts. Those included Candler Hospital Auxiliary managing the hospital’s gift shop, PEO, Savannah Symphony Woman’s Guild, the One Hundred at Backus Children’s Hospital, the Chancel Society of St John’s Church, and the Huntingdon Club.    

Mary loved to travel the world, learning new lessons from other cultures as well as the arts. She enjoyed being with her extended family whether at home relaxing or on a new adventure. Mary was steadfast in her faith, and she has been an active member of St John’s Episcopal Church since arriving in Savannah in 1978.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Decie Autin and Wendy Burnett and their partners Dan and Val; by her granddaughter Elizabeth Williams and partner Chris, and her great granddaughter Lydia Williams. She is predeceased by her husband Robert Adair Burnett and her grandson David Autin.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mary Burnett PEO Scholarship, Georgia Scholarship Endowment Fund, are appreciated. Care of PEO Foundation, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50312.