Willie Mae Burns

Willie Mae met the love of her life E. B. Burns and they were united in marriage on August 1, 1953. As a young couple they resided in Portland and Beeville. In 1960 they moved to Pflugerville, Texas settling on abundant farm land, establishing their life long home.

Faith, family, hard work and of course a little bit of good times were the cornerstones of her life. Willie Mae worked at Bonham’s Grocery, Bergstrom Air Force Base, supported, owned and operated E. B. Burns Floors as well as doing whatever was needed to help tend to the family farm and cattle. The fruits of her labor were also seen in her flourishing plants, gardens and flowers.

Willie Mae lived and served her faith as an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pflugerville. She truly had a servant’s heart and volunteered with many ministries including Sunday School, Visitation, Women of the ELCA, Altar Guild, Prayer Chain and Vacation Bible School.

Adventure, friendship and community filled Willie Mae’s spirit. She enjoyed travel and was always up for an excursion. From traveling abroad to beaches to garden filled grounds, she soaked in every opportunity. She volunteered countless hours to serve and support the City of Pflugerville Senior Activity Center coordinating activities, trips and social engagements. She filled bus trips to travel to see county music shows, casino adventures, museum tours, theater plays, shopping expeditions and so much more! Lots of great times were spent around the table playing a mean game of dominoes. Willie Mae served as a member of the Manville Water Cooperation Board of Directors and was instrumental in finding and purchasing land rich with underground water which now supplies much of the Pflugerville and surrounding areas with portable water.

Willie Mae was known to always find a way to your heart with her gift of cooking and baking. When you visited, you never left hungry. She was always ready to whip up a recipe to share with a friend or bring to a potluck. Special times were shared alongside her in the kitchen to bake a bunny cake, press the noodles or learn the special holiday tradition recipes. There was never a doubt at family celebrations the table would be full, feast and fellowship would be had.

Willie Mae loved her growing family. She found so much joy in supporting her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You would always find her front and center sitting in the crowd at school events, stock shows, sporting events, dance recitals and tea parties. She created so many special memories for her family through her giving, supportive and joyous spirit.

Willie Mae is preceded in death by husband E.B. Burns; son Jim Bob Burns; parents William Albert and Ahorne Helena (Schmiedekamp) Saenger; brothers Albert Saenger and Harry Saenger; sister-in-law Carrie Saenger.

While her memory will live on, she will be greatly missed by her son Rusty Burns (Tammy); foster son Jerry Moellenberg (Diane); Grandchildren Mary Hemenes (James), Bo Burns (Rachel), Blake Burns (Loren), Cullen Burns, Macy Burns (Matt Waller, fiancé); Great Grandchildren Reagan, Ellie, Harper, Rylee and Brock; Brother and Sisters in Law Elmo Saenger (Velma) and Norma Saenger; Donna Burns (Roney Ripple); numerous nieces and nephews and a countless number of friends.

The family shares its abundance appreciation and thanks to Heritage Lakes Memory Care for the wonderful love and care they provided Willie Mae for the last year and a half. Special thanks to Abby, Carol, Charlotte, Eric, Janie, Missy, Monique, Myrna, Shay, and Sophia, the management and administrative teams as well as the many other workers who helped guide and facilitate her care. Sincere gratitude is given to the 4th Floor Doctors, Nurses and Chaplain at Baylor Scott and White Round Rock, for their empathetic and compassionate care allowing Willie Mae to have a comfortable passage to heaven. Thank you to Pastor Matthew Groenke and her Immanuel Lutheran Church family for surrounding her and the family in support and prayers.

Pallbearers: Bo Burns, Blake Burns, Cullen Burns, James Hemenes, Matt Waller, and Reid Courtney. Honorary Pallbearers: Pete Castillo and Joe Castillo.

A visitation will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pflugerville, Texas on Thursday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m., immediately followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Committal service to follow at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville, Texas.

Memorial contributions can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pflugerville, Texas or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Burns family.