Rosemary D. Burris

Rosemary Deneice Burris passed away July 1, 2021, after a hard fought battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family. Rose was born May 16, 1957 right here in Oklahoma City, the daughter of Joe Bob Higgins and Mary Ann Murray.

Rose attended Putnam City West and it was there that she met Gene Burris, who she would go on to marry. Gene was a wrestler and Rose on the pom squad—both very competitive in their respective sports. They played on the tennis team together as well. Rosemary went on to further her education and received her Associates Degree in Legal Studies. Rose and Gene were married May 11, 1978 and they had two children: Gene Jr. and Crystal.

Rosemary was a very loving Memaw to her two special grandchildren, Connor and Arielle. No matter what, whether they were baking together, vacationing at the lake, or having a tea party, Rosemary adored her grandchildren and the feeling was mutual.

At the time of her passing, Rosemary was working at Legacy Bank as an Executive Legal Assistant. She had been there for 7 years and made many good friends.

Rose loved gardening and everything about the outdoors: nature, birds, swimming, hiking, and exploring. She stayed active. She even went to Cycle Bar 3 times a week with her friends Callie, Andrea and Drew. When Rose was not outdoors, she could be found reading a murder/mystery novel from John Grisham or Dean Koontz. She loved to watch True Crime, CSI, and Law and Order SVU. Rose was also a big OSU fan and supporter since her son was a graduate of OSU. She and Gene Jr. would attend OSU basketball and softball games together every chance they got.

Rose loved going on shopping trips with her daughter and enjoyed mani/pedi pampering with her granddaughter too. Rose and Crystal always enjoyed cooking and baking together. Trips to the berry farms with her children when they were kids were frequent. Gene Jr. and Crystal fondly remember making tasty fruit jam with her.

When Rose knew she was in her finals days, she moved in with her daughter, Crystal and her family. Precious memories were made with her grandchildren, daughter and son-in-law and will not be forgotten. Even on her last day she was able to play her favorite card game, UNO, with her son and granddaughter and visit with her sister Melody and nieces Sylvia and Angela, just hours before her last breath.

Rosemary is preceded in death by her father Joe Bob Higgins, sister Nancy Murray and ex-husband Gene Autry Burris Sr.

She is survived by her mother Mary Ann Murray, children Gene A. Burris Jr., Crystal Geiss and husband Tim, grandchildren Connor Geiss and Arielle Geiss, brother Steven Murray, sisters Melody Cuff and Phyllis Higgins, nieces Sylvia Cuff, Angela Murray, Layla Shademan, Kara Murray, Shayla Murray, nephews Chris Shademan, Johnathan Shademan, Gabe Murray and so many loved ones and friends who will most certainly miss her.

A celebration of Rose’s life will be 3:00 p.m., Saturday, July 10, 2021 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home and a Tea Party in her honor following the service in the Chapel Hill Event Center.

Those not able to attend may watch the service via https://www.facebook.com/627900400703935