Lawanda Burns

Born LaWanda Jo Moody on April 23, 1941, in Columbus, Mississippi, she was the daughter of the late Tom and Ila Moody. She grew up in Columbus alongside her brothers, Ronald and Scott. As a young girl, LaWanda became locally famous for her talent as a performer and dancer at a time when television was still a novelty in Mississippi. Her parents regularly drove her to Memphis so she could appear on television dance programs, creating memories she would cherish throughout her life.

She graduated from S.D. Lee High School in 1959 and later earned her degree from Mississippi University for Women in 1963. Following graduation, she worked at the university until marrying her husband of 55 years, Billy Clyde Burns. In 1974, LaWanda and Billy made their home in Corinth, where she would spend the rest of her life building deep roots in the community she loved.

LaWanda was a longtime member of Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where her faith found expression not through grand gestures, but through quiet devotion and reliability. She faithfully served the church in countless ways that keep a small church family together. If something needed to be done, people knew they could depend on her. That same dependability defined her professional life. She worked for 40 years at Intex Plastics, now Mississippi Polymers, where she became one of those rare employees whose value could not truly be replaced. Deeply dedicated to her work and to the people around her, she earned the respect and affection of everyone who knew her there.

LaWanda lived a life that mattered quietly but profoundly. She devoted herself completely to the people and responsibilities placed before her and gave herself fully to others, not out of obligation, but because loving and helping people was simply who she was. Those who knew LaWanda knew her kindness, her loyalty, her warmth, and her gentle nature.

LaWanda was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Billy Clyde Burns; her brother, Ronald Moody; niece Vickey Williams Hayes; and great-nephew Justin Williams.

She is survived by her son, Alan Burns and wife Tammy of Tupelo; granddaughter Scarlett Williams of Atlanta; brother Scott Moody; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and their children.

The family wishes to express very special gratitude to the caregivers and staff of Generations Senior Living and Enhabit Hospice who cared for LaWanda during her illness and helped provide comfort and dignity during her final years. While flowers are appreciated, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of LaWanda Burns and in support of ongoing Alzheimer’s research and caregiver assistance programs.

Visitation will be held at Memorial Funeral Home in Corinth, Mississippi on Tuesday, May 26 from 5pm until 8pm. A Celebration of Life Service will be on Wednesday May 27 at 1pm at the funeral home with burial to follow at Shiloh Presbyterian Cemetery.

Online condolences may be left at www.memorialcorinth.com

Memorial Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.