Paeton Leighann Weaver Burkett

Paeton LeighAnn Weaver Burkett, 55 year old native of Deridder, La and longtime resident of Denham Springs, departed this world on March 17, 2026 and arrived in her new heavenly home after a brief battle with brain cancer.

Paeton ‘s kindness, compassion, and devotion will forever be remembered by those who knew her. Her love for her family, friends, and animals could not be measured. She was guided by her strong faith and desire to help others.

She graduated from Deridder High School before obtaining her bachelor’s degree from McNeese State University. Her dream of being an attorney led her to Baton Rouge where she obtained her Juris Doctor from the Southern University School of Law and then her LL.M. in Agricultural Law from the University of Arkansas. She practiced law in many forms before moving to Denham Springs in 2008 where she was the City Attorney for Denham Springs for many years. She most recently was an attorney for the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. She was a member of the Livingston Parish Lion’s Club as well as many other professional organizations.

Spending time at the beach drinking coffee or reading a book was her cherished time. During her younger years, she developed a love for horse riding that continued her whole life. She dreamed of one day owning a ranch with horses she could ride and care for. She loved exploring small towns throughout Louisiana, usually staying at the most eccentric lodging she could find there. She enjoyed dinners with her friends and creating new friends. She most enjoyed spending time with her family. They knew that if some new adventure appealed to her, they would be recruited to participate. She found fulfillment in helping others and gave of herself generously to help those in need.

She is survived by her mother, Dianne HancheyKovach; husband of 25 years, Eric Burkett; son Tyler Burkett; daughter Delaney Burkett; brother, Kristopher Smith; half-siblings, Mark Weaver and Shannon Doyle; many loving aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews; as well as her beloved dogs; Coco, Bella, and Delilah.

She was preceded in death by her father, Dale Weaver; Step-father, Kenneth Smith; half-sister, Terri Weaver; and her grandparents, Roy and Dorothy Hanchey.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Dr. Maurice King Jr., the Neuro Critical Care nurses at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center, and Crystal, Barbara, and Leona from Pinnacle Home Hospice for the compassionate care they provided Paeton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to an organization of your choice. Some that she supported are:

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center

American Cancer Society

Denham Springs Animal Shelter

Food Bank of Greater Baton Rouge

Live Oak Church

Visitation at Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs on March 28, 2026 from 1pm until Memorial Service at 3pm. Committal service to follow immediately at Evergreen Memorial Park.