Mary Ella Burns

MARY ELLA BURNS was born June 29, 1931, to the late Rufus & Patsie Tucker in Milledgeville, Georgia. She attended public schools in Milledgeville and graduated from George Washington Carver High School. Later, she attended the National School of Business in Nashville, Tennessee and Margaret Murray Vocational School in Washington, D. C. in preparation for her career in nursing.

In 1952, Mary moved to Washington, D. C. and was married to the late John H. Burns, Sr. and from that union there were 3 children, Alphonso, John Jr and Patricia. She was employed with the Federal and District Governments, working at Freeman’s Hospital, DC General Hospital and D. C. Village, as a Licensed Practical Nurse until 1989.

Mary started her Christian journey as a child at Flipper Chapel Baptist Church in Milledgeville, Georgia. She continued that journey for many years, attending 10th Street Baptist Church in Washington, D. C. before finally finding a home at Turner Memorial AME Church where she was a faithful member.

She was a member of the Senior Choir, Johanna Morris Missionary Society, Stay Young Group, Lay Organization, Mother’s Club and Outreach Ministry.

Mary truly loved her family and enjoyed being in their company as much as possible. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, singing, cookouts, cooking, and baking especially. Some of you knew she loved sharing candy treats, cookies, and brownies with her church family as well; Just always willing to share whatever she had with her family, church, community, and those in need.

Mary was preceded in death by her mother and father Rufus and Patsie Tucker, sisters Ann Key,

Ruby Fraley, and Nancy Smith; Her son Alphonso and grand-daughter Tara.

Mary is survived by her 2 children, John Burns, Jr. and Patricia Burns-Jefferson, her daughter-in law Patricia Spinner Burns and son-in law Garry Jefferson, 6 grandchildren Loron, Sean, Adam, Aaron,

Clinton, and Robert; 8 great-grandchildren and a host other nieces, nephews, family, and friends.