Colette Jean Dickens Burt

Colette Jean Dickens Burt, lovingly known to many simply as “Colette,” passed away on May 18, 2026, at the age of 67. Born on February 27, 1959, in San Diego, and living in Raleigh, NC since 16, Colette lived a life filled with love, laughter, music, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends.

A graduate of Sanderson High School, Colette was the kind of woman who could light up a room the moment she walked in. She was truly the life of the party — full of warmth, humor, and a spirit that drew people close. She loved to sing, loved deeply, and never missed an opportunity to make others feel seen, welcomed, and loved.

Known affectionately by her mother as “her Daisy Child,” Colette carried that brightness throughout her life. She loved hard as a mother, remained loving and faithful as a wife, and stepped up endlessly as a grandmother whenever she was needed. Nothing made her prouder than her family — especially her son, grandson, husband, and daughter — all of whom she spoke of with immense pride and unconditional love.

Colette was also an avid dog lover whose compassion for animals became part of her life’s work. As a talented dog groomer, she proudly owned and operated her own grooming business for many years before retiring. Her clients knew her not only for her skill, but for the care and kindness she gave to every animal entrusted to her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Lorna Marie Dickens, and husband, Larry Carl Deese.

She is survived by her loving husband, William Wheeler Burt; her father, Clyde Phillip Dickens; her son, Jason Lee Atkinson; her grandson, Dylan James Atkinson; her stepdaughter, Kimmberly Dawn Burt; her grandson, Declan Marshall Combs; and her sister, Denise Lynn Dorland.

Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved her, her memory will continue to live on in every song sung loudly, every laugh shared around a crowded room, and every act of fierce love given freely to family.

“A light burnt out here too soon only to brighten the heavens.”

A funeral will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh. The family will receive from 10:00 am to 10:50 am. Graveside services will immediately follow at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612.