Leona Lunsford Burgess, 58, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, at Mission Hospital, surrounded by the love of her husband as she went home to be with her Lord. Born on April 15, 1968, in Buncombe County, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Bobby and Aletha Cochran Lunsford.

Leona dedicated many years working alongside her husband in sales at Penland’s Furniture Store, where she enjoyed meeting and helping others. She found great joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially hunting and fishing throughout Haywood County with her husband. Above all, Leona treasured the time she spent with her family and loved ones.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Cathy.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 38 years, Terry Burgess (Jennifer); daughters, Crystal Harvey and Julie Burgess (David Hall); son, Curtis Burgess; sister, Robin; brothers, Bobby Lunsford, Marvin Lunsford, and Roger Lunsford; and granddaughter, Alice Harvey.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Mission Hospital and Four Seasons Hospice for all their compassionate care and support shown to Leona and her family during this difficult time.

Wells Funeral Home of Canton is honored to be serving the family of Leona Lunsford Burgess.