Nancy Elizabeth Burns

Newton – Nancy Elizabeth Johnson Burns, 77 of Newton went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 20th, 2025, at Catawba Valley Medical Center surrounded by her loved ones.

Born on July 7th, 1948, in Greenville County, SC, Nancy was the daughter of the late James Edward and Ann Wilson Johnson.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, Micheal Earl Burns; brother, Eddie Johnson; sister, Billie Jo Thackston, and brother-in-law, James Snow.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 58 years, Earl Burns; daughter, Joanne Abee (Sam); sons, Christopher Burns (Nicole); Edward Burns (Suzi); and grandchildren, Chris Burns (Lauren); Destiny Burns; Billie Danielle Burns; Josiah Abee (Brianna); Deborah Abee; Sarah Burns; Isaac Abee; William Burns & Mackinzie Burns; Daniel Abee; and Faith Abee; and one great-grandson Benson Burns. Also left to cherish her memory are her siblings, Jimi Bullard (Bob); Connie Snow; and Stan Johnson (Dina) and numerous nieces and nephews.

After committing her life to Christ at an early age, Nancy devoted her life to raising her children and grandchildren and providing loving care to countless children as a daycare provider at several agencies and later in her home or as an in-home nanny. Nancy was also very involved in children’s ministry at several local churches as a Sunday School teacher, children’s church leader, and VBS coordinator. Nancy wrote puppet skits, developed VBS programs, and outreach programs to take Jesus to children throughout Catawba County and the Southeast.

The family will receive friends at Catawba Funeral Home on December 30, 2025, from 11 am – 12:30 pm.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held immediately following with her sons, Pastor Edward Burns and Pastor Sam Abee officiating.

She will be laid to rest following the service at Catawba Memorial Park with her son, Rev. Chris Burns officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Falcon Children’s Home in Falcon, NC in Nancy’s memory.

Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.

The Burns Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.