Mary Ellen Burford

She was born May 19, 1947, in Cowen, the daughter of Rev. Okey Shirley and Ilene Virginia Wayne. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings Franklin Eugene Wayne, Shirley Juanita Turner, Sabina Ann Maynard, Rebecca Jayne Payne, Kathryn Sue Simmons, James Dean Wayne, and stepdaughter Kim Moore.

Mary retired from CAMC with over 30 years of service. She was a faithful member of Kelley’s Creek Community Church for many years. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend that will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years Philip Dale Burford, sons, Phillip Cody Burford and fiancée Betty Jo McCormack, Okey Eugene Burford (Janna), and Preston Kirk Burford (Kresta), stepdaughter Robin Barnes (Rob), grandchildren Sierra Renee Burford, Logan Wayne Burford, Madeline Izabella Burford, Kaleb Preston Burford and Kolson Levi Burford, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Celebration of Mary’s life will be 1:00 P.M. Friday, October 9, 2026, at Kelley’s Creek Community Church with Pastor Paul Bailey officiating. Burial will follow in Okey Wayne Family Cemetery, Cowen.

Gathering of family and friends will be from 11 until time of service at the church.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.tylermountainfuneralhome.com