Cathy passed away on January 5, 2018, in Dallas after an almost three year battle with multiple myeloma.
She was born on December 23, 1955, in Dallas to Robert William (RW) Burns and Alma Ruth Burns.
Cathy grew up in Canton where she excelled in sports. After she graduated from Canton High School in 1974, she earned a scholarship to play basketball at Weatherford Junior College where she earned an Associate’s degree. She then received a scholarship to play basketball at the University of Texas in Austin where she was one of Coach Jody Conradt’s first recruits. Cathy earned a Bachelor’s degree at UT Austin and was so appreciative of Title IX legislation, which allowed her the opportunity to attend college. Without it, and the scholarships she received, she would not have been able to pursue that dream. Later, Cathy returned to school and earned a Master’s degree from Sam Houston State. Cathy worked in education as a teacher, coach, administrator, and adjunct professor in Elgin, Mabank, Austin, Prosper, Lewisville, and the University of North Texas for a total of 35 years before retiring. Cathy loved gardening, birding, traveling, and spending time with her family and many wonderful friends. Cathy will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her, especially the countless number of students whose lives were touched by her dedication and influence.
Cathy was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Denton.
She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Barbara Evans.
Cathy is survived by her wife, Grace Anne McKay; son, Jeremy Burns Clark-McKay; Jeremy’s fathers, Rod Clark and Stephen Elmore; sister, Vickie Farrell and husband Marion; sister, Becky Enderby and husband Carroll; brother, Mike Burns and wife Kim; sister, Pat Wade and husband Mike; numerous favorite nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and a host of extended family and friends. She is also survived by special members of her “framily”- her family of friends who she held close to her heart.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 7, 2018 at Eubank Funeral Home from 6 pm to 8 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to The University of Texas Women’s Basketball Excellence Fund. Please make checks payable to “The University of Texas” with memo “In memory of Cathy Burns” and mail attn: Texas Athletics, Longhorn Foundation, PO Box 7399, Austin, TX, 78713-7399.
Honorary Pallbearers are her favorite nieces: Tracy Vannoy, Shelby Garner, Dana Reedle, Jennifer Brewer, Jana Dickson, Brittinie Hall, and Chelsea Doughty.
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