A beloved mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and friend, Mertie Burlette, age 66, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family. She was truly one of a kind-the most wonderful mother anyone could ask for, with the sweetest soul and the kindest heart.
Visitation for Mertie will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, from 10:00-12:00 pm at Gallagher Funeral Home. Services will follow at 12:00 pm at the funeral home with Brother Lloyd Bye officiating.
Mertie is preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Burlette, Sr.; father, Boyd Martin; son, Kyle Burlette; granddaughter, Evangeline Brocato; and siblings, Justin Martin, Carrol Clark, and Kathy Maricle.
Those left to celebrate and cherish her memories are her loving daughters, Christal Brocato (Joseph) and Bonnie Adams (Charles); son, Charlie Burlette, Jr. (Andrea); bonus son, Marcus Hudson; grandchildren, Kylie Ponthieux (Kenny), Aaliyah Brocato, Chelsy Stilley (Jarrod), Joe Brocato, Jr. (Brittany), Jathan Brocato (Virginia), Stephanie Hitt (Tazz), Steven James (Kayla), Dylan Burlette, Logan Burlette, and Sophia Burlette; great grandchildren, Kenlie Ravare, Aiden, Gabriel, Jake, Luke, Eric, Macy, Easton, Joseph, Addaleigh, Kenzie, Lainey, and Hazley; special nieces, Melanie Lee (Dewayne) and Becca Toney (Jesse); siblings, Scooter Martin, Brenda Filasek (Larry), and Lisa Hagan (Garry); and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, extended family and friends, including her two best friends, Christy Boudreaux and Mary Kyle.
A fighter in every sense of the word, she faced every challenge placed before her with courage and determination, always coming through with quiet strength. Gentle and kind, yet strong and fierce when it mattered most, she embodied resilience. To know her was to love her, and her presence brought comfort and peace to all who were blessed to be part of her life.
She was the glue that held Christal together-her “sugarbear”-and her love for her family was the foundation on which everything stood. For many years, she selflessly served as the devoted caregiver to her husband, giving of herself with patience, compassion, and endless love.
In her downtime, she cherished spending time with her family. In recent years, her favorite moments were the simple ones-snuggling up with her grandkids and watching a movie, creating memories filled with warmth and laughter. She also found joy in reading, crocheting, cooking, and loved watching HGTC with her Sugarbear.
Above all else, she loved deeply and gave endlessly. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered for her loving spirit, her strength, and the unconditional love she shared so freely.