Longtime Harris County community activist and justice advocate Zinetta Burney has died.
Burney, a native Houstonian, was a law partner, justice of the peace in Harris County, and community stalwart.
Burney boldly and unapologetically advocated for criminal justice for women and people of color, and for that, she was beloved. Hence, the Celebration of Life for Burney, which will take place on Thursday, Oct. 10, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Shrine of the Black Madonna Cultural and Events Center (5309 MLK Blvd, Houston, 77021), will certainly be overflowing with attendees ready to pay respects for the local icon.
But fond words of remembrance are already pouring in.
“Elder Zinetta Burney is a perfect example of how adversity can transform into a life of giving, loving, sharing, caring and so much more”
– Deloyd Parker, Co-founder & Executive Director of SHAPE Community Center
“Elder Zinetta Burney is a perfect example of how adversity can transform into a life of giving, loving, sharing, caring and so much more,” said co-founder and executive director of SHAPE Community Center, Deloyd Parker. “She will forever be remembered by the SHAPE community family in all we do from this day on as that phenomenal woman.”
“Judge Burney was a justice and community champion who will be missed,” said Ken Rodgers, member of the Emancipation Economic Development Council.
“I was blessed to be mentored by Judge Burney,” said local politico Nata Koerber. “We always joked she was my ‘Godmother’ in the political game. Zinetta was a constant presence in the community. She frequently recounted her amazing journey from the Cuney Homes to being a nurse, later an Accountant to founding her law firm and finally becoming the People’s Judge as Justice of the Peace. She gathered many accolades, but none shown brighter than her concern for the community. She always made room under her wings to nurture future leaders.”
Before assuming the bench, Burney worked as a lawyer in private practice for roughly three decades. She attended Texas Southern University and the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University.
“I’m saddened to hear that Judge Zinetta Burney has died. She and I go way back. She was a good person, and I appreciated the work she did throughout the Houston community.”
– John Whitmire, Mayor of Houston
Burney, an alumna of Texas Southern University and TSU’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, served on numerous boards, including the University of Houston System Board of Regents, the Housing Authority of the City of Houston, and as chair of the OST/Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Council.
Burney was a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Houston Lawyers Association, the Greater Southeast Management District, and the Houston Bar Association, and counted as personal friends members of every level of government.
“I’m saddened to hear that Judge Zinetta Burney has died. She and I go way back. She was a good person, and I appreciated the work she did throughout the Houston community,” said Mayor John Whitmire in a statement. “I extend my condolences to her daughter, Harris County Justice of the Peace Sharon Burney, and extended family members. May she rest in peace.”
