Norma Jean Burns

Her spirit departed this earth just as the skies began to part with the most glorious of sunrises, with her loving husband and children at her side.

Jean was born on March 28, 1939 in Mountain Home, Arkansas to Eural John Maynard and Sula Marie Wells. She was the youngest of three girls and her two older sisters, Agnes and Mary, doted on her. In 1947, Sula remarried to Allen McGrew and Jean and her sisters gained two stepbrothers, Alton and Raymond, and in 1954 Sula, Allen and their children moved to Bakersfield, California.

In Bakersfield, Jean worked long days in the fields, primarily picking cotton. A friend introduced her to a handsome young man who had just gotten out of the Army. She would soon realize she had met the love of her life, Floyd Burns. Jean loved to tell the story of how Floyd told her she would never have to work another day in the cotton fields; and she never did. Floyd proposed and they were married in 1956. They moved to Washington state, back to California, and finally settled in Hinkley in 1967. During those years they had four children: Terry (b. 1957), Sheryl (b. 1960, d. 1960), David (b. 1961), and Elizabeth (1968). Jean devoted her life to raising her children and supporting her hard-working husband, and her home became a warm and welcoming place for all who entered. She forevermore was the Mama to anyone who needed a mother’s love.

Jean was a dedicated member of Hinkley Bible Church and she loved her family, friends and community with a spirit that was grounded in her Christian faith. She was quick to respond to any opportunity to serve others; whether through supporting the prayer chain, providing counsel, making meals for others to celebrate joyous occasions or to offer support in times of grief, and by uplifting the downhearted with her comforting friendship and lively laughter. She kept detailed notes to help her remember how each guest to her home liked their coffee or tea and she was quick to offer her company a piece of homemade peanut brittle or a slice of lemon meringue pie. She had a soft Southern drawl and often ended her sentences with a “Bless her heart!” or “Bless his heart!” with a smile that made her eyes twinkle. She could straighten up anyone out of line with a single look over the top of her glasses. Jean brought beauty to the world through her crafting, sewing, cooking, and gardening and used her talents to nurture and care for others. She found great joy exploring the outdoors, and she reveled in the beauty of the desert wildflowers and vast California sunsets.

She was predeceased by her mother (Sula McGrew), stepfather (Allen McGrew), father (Eural Maynard), sisters (Agnes Sherrill and Mary Matson), stepbrothers (Alton McGrew and Raymond McGrew), daughter (Sheryl Diane), and her great-grandson (Jason Lanie Burns, d. 2008).

More than anything in this world, Jean loved being surrounded by her family. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her husband of 64 years, Floyd Burns; her devoted children, Terry (Susan) Burns of Hinkley, CA, David (Pearl) Burns of Susanville, CA, and Elizabeth Burns of Hinkley, CA; her six adoring grandchildren: Daniel (Misty) Burns, Julie Burns, Russell Burns, Amanda (Matt) Ackernecht, Hank (Jamie) Burns, and Keeth (Stephanie) Burns; fourteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jean’s work on earth is done, as she has been called to meet Jesus and reunite with family and friends in a land where joy shall never end and where all suffering and sadness is gone.

Arrangements are being handled by Mead Mortuary and the family will have a private burial service. The family invites you to join them for a memorial service, officiated by Pastor David Rader, which will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at Hinkley Bible Church. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed on the Hinkley Bible Church Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean’s name to Hinkley Bible Church or St. Jude’s Hospital. Condolences may be offered to the Burns Family at 37362 Mulberry Road, Hinkley, CA 92347.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.meadcares.com for the Burns family.