Bernelda "Nell" Pearl Burney, 88, of Wood River, passed away at 1:13 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2024 at her granddaughter's home in Wood River.  Her family was by her side.

Nell was born December 3, 1935 in Tamms, she was a daughter of the late Lark and Lillian (Shillings) Betts.

Nell and William "Bill" Gene Burney were married on January 16, 1954 in East Alton.  He passed away on October 19, 2016.

Nell began working in 1966 as a Clerk/Carrier for the United States Postal Service in Wood River.  She worked for 30 years retiring in 1996.

Nell has been an avid quilter for many years. She was a member of the Quilters Guild and has won a magnitude of awards for her many beautiful Quilts. Her family cherishes the many quilts she has given to them over the years.

Survivors include one son, Steven Burney and wife Betheny of Stockbridge, GA; daughter-in-law Debbie S. Burney of Moro; bonus son, Marc Wolfe of South Roxana; two granddaughters, Amie L. Slimick and husband Brian of Wood River, Lisa A. Shain and husband Tom of Moro; bonus granddaughter, Dr. Emma Felipe of Barcelona, Spain; one grandson, Kyle S. Burney and wife Bridgette of Ellenwood, GA; eight great-grandchildren, Isabella N. & Bryan Finch of Bethalto, Austin K. & Katie Slimick of Collinsville, Nathan M. Slimick of Wood River, Jonathon M. Shain of Moro, Alayna N. Shain of Moro, Liam G. Shain of Moro, Gabrielle L. Dumas of Ellenwood, Ga, Hunter B. Dumas of Ellenwood, GA;  seven great-great-grandchildren, Tessa, Roman, Brenden, Parker, Waylon, Dean, Ronnie; two sisters, Edna Gold of Edwardsville, Alta and Gradyn Smith of Carbondale.

Besides her husband and parents, Nell was preceded in death by a son, Paul W. Burney; 12 brothers and sisters.

A celebration of Nell's life will begin at 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. service time on Monday, March 25 at Gray Funeral Home in Wood River with Rev. Steve Gray officiating.

Burial will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Memorials may be given to The National Kidney Foundation.