J-Ann Burleson was born and raised in the heart of Flint, Michigan in 1941 with her sister and best friend Michael. Her early interests included skiing, arts & crafts, and her dog Gideon. She graduated at the top of her class from St. Matthews parochial school before earning her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 1964, where she met and married her husband of 60 years, Dick Marr. She worked as clerk at the Post Office (1959-1962) and 4th grade teacher at Cook School (1963-1965), before eventually getting her Masters degree and embarking on her true life’s work, as a teacher of autistic children at Elmer Knopf Learning Center for over 20 years. J-Ann was a devoted member of Junior League Of Flint and donated a great deal of her time volunteering, both as a scorekeeper on the 5th hole during the Buick Open and through her tireless efforts in support of the Michigan Special Olympics.
J-Ann had a deep love for books, as reflected by her family room library. A constant throughout her entire life was her kindness and endless positivity, with best friends and strangers alike, which remained even well into her advanced years as she suffered from the ravages of dementia. Surviving children: Lory, Kirsten and Richie. Preceded in death by husband, Dick Marr.
There will be a visitation and brief ceremony at Hill Funeral Home, 11723 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, Michigan on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 11am-1pm.
