Dora Jo (Marsh) Burnett, 87

Dora Jo (Marsh) Burnett, 87, of Theodosia, died peacefully on July 16, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield. The family is planning a celebration of life at a later date. 

She was born on Aug. 11, 1937, in Pondfork, to Ernest Samuel Marsh and Gladys Pauline (Honeycutt) Marsh.  

Dora was a devoted Christian and was a member of the True Hope General Baptist Church in Theodosia. She loved the Lord, and she loved to sing gospel hymns. She loved to make the most wonderful pies and cakes and cook big meals for her family. 

She married Leo Henry Burnett in 1956, and they took over the family dairy farm. Dora worked away from home as a school teacher, then later worked 24 years for the Missouri Division of Aging, until her retirement. Later, she married Roy Simmons of Gainesville.

Dora Jo will be so deeply missed by her family, friends and neighbors. She made sure that all her children and grandchildren knew the Lord, and she prayed for them daily. 

Dora is survived by her three sons: David (Elaine) Burnett, Kenny (Pamela) Burnett and Steve (Carrie) Burnett; five grandchildren: Justin, Kyle and Lance Burnett and Jack and Michael Burnett; seven great-grandchildren: Cade, Jenna, Addalyn, Gabriel, Raiden, Brady and Cambri Burnett, with Kayson to arrive in August; siblings: Nola Moreno, Mary Lou Jones, Judy D’Amour and Larry Marsh.

Dora was preceded in death by her husband Leo Burnett; her second husband Roy Simmons; her parents, Ernest and Gladys Marsh; her daughter, Diana Burnett; her brothers, Leonard and Lonnie Marsh.

Services are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville. Memorials can be made to Lutie Cemetery.