Leone Phyllis Burwell

With great sorrow, the family announces the passing of Leone Phyllis Burwell, who died peacefully on April 14, 2026, at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care Center in Columbia, Tennessee, at the age of 91. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home, Columbia, Tennessee.

A native of Genesee County, Michigan, Leone was born at Hurley Hospital in Flint and graduated from Fenton High School in 1953. She spent most of her adult life in Flushing, Michigan. In 1954, she married Paul Simpson, and together they raised four children. Following their divorce, she married Norbert Burwell in 1975, and they shared life together until his passing in 2022.

Leone was an accomplished musician, skilled in both flute and piano. She was a proud member of the American Federation of Musicians and performed for many decades with the Flint Concert Band and the Flint Motor City Band. She was also a talented artist who worked primarily in acrylics and was active in promoting the arts throughout her community.

Known for her generous and compassionate spirit, Leone dedicated much of her time to helping others. She lovingly sewed clothing for various charitable organizations and freely offered her time, talents, and resources to those in need. Her kindness touched countless lives, and she will be remembered as a loving, caring woman whose presence enriched everyone she met.

Leone is survived by her children, Phyllis Williams, Nick (Chiab) Simpson, and Laura (Rick) Stewart; four stepchildren; 11 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norbert Burwell; her daughter, Susan Johnson; and two stepsons.