Callie Burns

Callie Burns

Callie Lee Burns, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and cherished friend, entered eternal rest on November 2, 2026, surrounded by the love and presence of her children. Her life was a beautiful testament to faith, enduring strength, compassion, and devotion to family.

Callie was born on September 27, 1946, in Trenton, Tennessee, the beloved first daughter of Johnny and Clara Johnson. She graduated from Rosenwald High School and later earned a Certificate of Completion in Electrical Testing from Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), demonstrating the determination and strength that would define her life.

Callie worked for over 30 years as an Electrical Tester at Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation), where her strong work ethic, dedication, and pride in her work earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Before that, she worked as a nursing assistant, a role that reflected her nurturing spirit and genuine love for caring for others. Callie believed in giving her best, helping those in need, and doing things with integrity and heart.

Callie accepted Christ at an early age and attended Mt. Orange Missionary Baptist Church in Trenton, Tennessee. Later in life, she became a devoted member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church, where her faith continued to guide and inspire her.

Callie made every effort to provide a loving, stable home for her children and devoted herself to ensuring they received a quality education and had every opportunity to succeed. Through her sacrifices, wisdom, and steadfast support, she shaped two strong independent women. Callie was a strong willed and independent woman herself, known to be fearless, determined, resilient, and never afraid to speak her mind. She often reminded people, “I grew up with boys,” those words perfectly captured her toughness and determination. She commanded respect, stood firm and never backed down from a challenge. Yet behind that strong exterior was a woman with a loving heart, a warm smile, and a deep devotion to her family.

Callie loved to dance and was often the first on her feet, especially when a Tina Turner song came on. She also found joy in working outdoors, taking pride in keeping the yard beautiful and her neighborhood clean. A devoted fan of the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks and Green Bay Packers, she could often be found proudly wearing her favorite team apparel. Affectionately known as “Granny” by many, she touched countless lives with her warmth, kindness, and genuine love for others. Her presence brought comfort, laughter, and joy to all who knew her.

Callie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jessie Charles Burns; her parents, Johnny and Clara Johnson; her brothers, Johnny Johnson Jr., Lonnie Johnson, and Booker T. Johnson; and her sister, Vernice Jordan. Though she deeply missed each of them, she carried their love and memories in her heart throughout her life and is now reunited with them in eternal peace.

Callie leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her daughters, Tinesse and Tressa Clark; her brother, Archie Johnson; her sisters, Yvonne, Melvine, and Carol Johnson; her granddaughters, Cale' and Paji Clark; her “grandson”, Brandon Gilbert; her great-grandchildren, Avanna, Ahmad, Akhi, J'ace, Braxton, Sevaughn, and Xyla Mae; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, and all whose lives were touched by her love and presence.