Kristy Burnett Ijames

Kristy Kathleen Burnett-Ijames, daughter of the late Charles E. Burnett and Geneva F. (Collins) Burnett, was born March 17, 1973, in Independence, Missouri, and departed this life June 19, 2024, at the age of 51 years.

She was united in marriage to Lewis Jeffrey Ijames, on April 21, 2007, and they have two sons.

Kristy was a loving wife, mother, sister, and auntie, a fiercely loyal friend, and a compassionate and caring teacher. She loved BIG, and if you were one of her people, she would have your back and always know what to say to make you feel better and to make you laugh hysterically. She loved reading books, binging TV shows, buying shoes, and shopping at TJ Maxx. She loved Christmas, getting to have all the kids stay with her during break and banging the pans on New Year’s Eve. Most of all, she loved supporting her boys in all their activities. She was always present, and she was incredibly proud of them.

Kristy spent 28 years in the classroom and touched countless lives. She was a favorite teacher to so many students because of the personal relationships she developed with them by caring about their interests, goals, and problems. She was also a mentor to many teachers, helping them decorate their classrooms, and make lesson plans, and was a listening ear when they needed it.

Kristy is survived by her husband, Jeff; sons, Tristan Burnett and Brady Burnett both of Mountain Grove, Missouri; brother, Michael Burnett of Springfield, Missouri; two nieces, Megan Burnett-Smith and Bailey Burnett both of Springfield, Missouri; three great-nephews, Ian Smith, Eli Smith, and Anderson Smith; sister-in-law, Beth Burch, and her husband, Butch, of Piedmont, Missouri; brother-in-law, Mike Ijames, and his wife, Michelle, of Republic, Missouri; and two great-nieces, Taylor Dahlgren, and Kynadee Dahlgren.

Kristy will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love, generosity, and wisdom will continue to inspire and guide us.