Remembering our dear brother Virdree whose smile was contagious.  He loved God and the church members and expressed that through His joyful spirit! That’s what I remember today.  May he Rest In Peace! 

My first time to NYC, I met Virdree, I was received with a very warm welcoming during that winter, he took me around the city and introduced me to the church in Manhattan.  
What a lovely brother! 

I met Virdree as I started college in Manhattan. We spent quite some time together going to meetings, having meals, and he would visit me in my home. One memory I have vividly is he accompanying me to my US citizenship ceremony in Stony Brook University, Long Island. We took a long train ride together and that was a special time. Virdree loved the Lord, loved and took care of saints, and functioned in the Body. 

To Virdree's family, thank you for sharing your precious brother "Junior" with us. Sabrina and Trish, you were blessed to know him as your flesh brother by birth. Many of us were also truly blessed to know him as our dear brother in the Lord. He was an essential part of the church in NYC, faithfully attending almost every event there was, in the meeting hall, at picnics & outings, and small Bible study fellowships in the homes. He always came with his hands full of something to share with others. He witnessed our family grow from one child to four, and our kids called him "Uncle Virdree." He was good with babies - maybe he was like a giant teddy bear to them, and they didn't cry when he held them, and they felt his warm and loving heart. As many have mentioned, his generous heart also extended to opening his home to many, many brothers over the years. The Lord has received a precious saint to Himself.

Echoing after what so many has already consistently said about dear brother Virdree. He took care of and shepherded my family in so many ways. I will always be grateful and remember in my heart the times he stayed at our home to take care of my family members that had surgeries throughout the years and nourished them back to health. He gave me several advices regarding nursing especially when I first started nursing. He was so Jesusly human. He was always so kind, giving, considerate of others and always caring for others. His tender care for the body and his expressions of Christ on earth watered so many saints regardless of their age, color or background. The Nunge and Shi families will miss our brother very much. 

I was one of the many brothers who was taken in by Virdree for hospitality. I stayed with him several times when I was commuting from Boston to New York for school in 2013. He lived with three brothers who were roughly twenty years younger than he was. It was very clear to me that he led the way in giving hospitality, and they followed out of enormous respect for him as an older and more mature brother in Christ. He followed Jesus Christ, and they followed him.

Brother Virdree cared deeply about shepherding. During one of my stays with him, he suggested that I accompany one of his younger roommates to a Friday-night church meeting for the college students. After the meeting, the two of us rode the train together for about an hour to get home. That night, Virdree earnestly thanked me for attending the meeting, adding that the brother was shepherded to have me riding the train with him. I didn't realize it at the time, but Virdree was bringing both of us into function.

He even came to my graduate recital when I was finishing my conservatory program. He loved music and related to me through this common interest. Virdree had no idea how much he shepherded me through our time together. I am comforted by this verse in the Bible: "We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed...But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 15: 51-52, 57).

I miss Virdree very much, but I know that his portion of Christ is still with us. His portion of Christ will live on in the fellowship he had, the hospitality he gave, and the brothers that were brought into function under his leading.

-- Samuel Oram, Church in Springfield, MO

The Haynes and Harp families will miss brother Virdree.  Our last memory of him was hearing his voice over the virtual prayer meeting held the first week after the COVID-19 New York "stay at home" shelter order. His prayer was short, to the point, yet "weighty".  We will miss his huge smile, deep voice and welcoming personality.  We thank the Lord for blessing the Church in New York City with brother Virdree. 

When I moved to NYC in 2019, Virdree was the first person to welcome me as he opened our apartment door as I moved across the country. Instantly, I felt cherished and at home. In my first week, he offered to share a ride to the church meeting. Those were my first memories of moving to NYC. Virdree was a sweet and wonderful brother and he will be dearly missed. 

  I have the privilege of meeting Virdree when I first moved to New York City.  He had render practical helps to me to getting used to the living in New York City.   I remembered the time when he took the opportunity to go with me to the laundromat and show me the steps to do laundry at the laundromat.   It was an enjoyable time and I appreciated him spending the time with me.  There was also another time when we went to Costco together to get supplies.  Then there was the time when he would provide hospitality to brothers visiting New York City or to the young people.   I felt this shows He has the spirit of hospitality and cherishing people.   Praise the Lord for our brothers’ portion. 

I went to City Island with Virdree, David and Zhao on a Lord's day sometime in April 2018. We were happy when we arrived,for it took a long time for us to get there.  Had a great time eating together and sharing food. It was memorable, because it was one of our favorite places to visit and it was Zhao's first time there.  Overall  we had a good time and enjoy each other's company. 

When Virdree was living in Harlem, a few of us went to hang out with him. We played board games, watched movies and ordered dim sum take out. That was the first time I met him, officially. I thought he was forty years old since he was always with young adults. 

After I moved to Manhattan, I got to see him more often. A lot of us knew it was physically challenging for him to walk. Yet I remember seeing him on Tuesdays all the time. I messaged him in January to see if he was doing ok since I hadn’t seen him. He said “I thought to rest a bit before returning, likely next week. Amen!” And he came back the next week. 

Virdree was faithful, sincere, humble, gentle, kind and loving. And he will always be remembered that way. 


To this day, I still remember my first encounter with Virdree after one of my earlier meetings with the saints in NYC. At the time, I had just moved from jersey as a first-year college student, and didn’t really know any saints in the city. As I walked out the door, I was greeted by Virdree, and I could tell that from our conversation, he genuinely expressed an interest in wanting to get to know me and care for me. I immediately felt his warm and friendly presence, and hence could even say that I wasn’t too surprised when he offered a taxi ride back with him to campus.

Later, in graduate school, I could honestly say that it was blessing to have Virdree as a roommate and brother to live with. It was in this period of time that I really got to see how he lived out the word that giving is more of a blessing than receiving, because he has given so much, from food (cooking, ordering out, etc.), practical advice as a nurse to others in need, or counseling to younger saints who may have went through rough times. I think one of the great qualities about him is that no matter the difficulty he has gone through, he never allowed them to pull him down or away from meetings. Like many have mentioned, one of the unique characteristics of Virdree was his willingness to always without any hesitation provide hospitality to saints from all over the states and even the world. 

Virdree, all in all, I just want to say that I’m really glad I’ve met and gotten to know you well, and I definitely will miss your presence. Rest in peace, brother.

My heart goes out to my family during this very sad time. I am Junior’s cousin from Baltimore, Maryland. I had not seen him since he was a very young man but regret that I never got to know the man that everyone spoke of during his memorial service. From what I heard, Junior was a sweet, sweet gentle spirit. As I looked at the pictures in the video I could tell that he really was a kind, selfless and caring person. He is gone but will never be forgotten. Rest my cousin. Sabrina and Tricia , God’s love will give you peace in the coming days ahead. I love you both. 

Virdree was a dear brother with warmth, compassion and humility. I remember learning he was a nurse and thinking he must have the best bedside manner; after all, he was generous, kind, and always quick with a smile. What I didn't understand then, which I do now, is that it wasn't his actions that made him so dear, but rather the amount of Christ that was within him. To say it another way, it wasn't 'what' he did, but 'who' he was. He was filled with Christ -- everything else, his smile, his cooking, his time for the saint, were all 'what' he gave and did __because__ of 'who' he was. The church, and even New York City, was better, because of our Brother Virdree. To his family especially, be comforted by the fact that his enormous love for those around him  was multiplied exponentially by all those who had the opportunity to know him. 

Brother Virdree faithfully served in the church book room.  We will miss him and remember him.

Crystal Chau

Virdree is the kindest person I've ever met. I remember when I moved to NYC in 2011, Virdree was one of the first people to greet me at the meeting hall. His smile and genuine care made me feel at home. Later I had the pleasure to live with him in the brother's house (we were 4 brothers living in a one bedroom apartment!). Even though the space was smalll, I really enjoyed praying and fellowshipping with Virdree. He's one of those people who you can truly open up to because you knew he cared. He was very giving with his time and heart, always offering to take hospitality and taking care of ones in need. I still remember the day when I had interviewing for a job in the living room over video, Virdree was in the bedroom praying for me. He was a joy to be around and his life a testimony of what it means to be Jesus-ly human. I will miss him but am happy to know that he's with the Lord now. Today when I read Luke 6:38, I think of Virdree. 

I lived with Virdree during winter of 2012 and will never forget getting know him with all his endearing quirks. He was a unique individual and a dear gift to the Body of Christ. Above all else Virdree was caring. He cared for the brothers he lived with and expressed it in every way possible. I thank the Lord for his particular portion and will treasure the time we spent together.

My name is Jonatan Gil and I lived last summer with Virdree. I just would like to say that my brother Virdree Burns was a ray of sunshine! He had such a heart for the saints and he would give whatever he could to them. Today I still can hear his voice and laughter in my head and hope that he is in a better place now. 

Hi! Junior was my best friends brother growing up since 3rd grade. He also went to school with my sister, they were the same age. I always remember him being happy with a great old big smile on his face. I also remember how close family ties he always had. I know he’s smiling down on all of us right now! My heart goes out to his family especially his sisters who loved him so much! R.I.p Jr you will be missed!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

I had originally typed up something of an eulogy before realizing there’s a 2000 character limit. It’s very hard to distill what Virdree meant to me amid such restricted verbiage. As a young person growing up in the church life, I knew I could always look at the front row of our Lord’s Day assemblies and see his face there. It wasn’t until I was 15 that I got to know Virdree, the beginning of an unforgettable friendship. Naturally it started with him taking me out to lunch, offering me his unrivaled hospitality for which he would be known for by many saints across the globe. 

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that I knew Virdree in the past decade more than anyone. We shared a level of trust, an ease with conversation about the near and dear, that I frankly didn’t share with anyone else. We knew the good, the bad, the ugly about each other. He turned out to be the ultimate respite to me from all the troubles I faced in my chaotic teen years. 

There’s no way I can honor Virdree enough for the outsized role he played in my life. I hope to share a more proper tribute to him eventually. He will be missed.



My name is Michelle Smith, past employee at SUNY Downstate 2005-2013...  I am honored and blessed to share:

I could share many memories through the eyes and voice of my best friend Sabrina Burns, the sister of Virdree Burns... aka Junior.. Every conversation we had ever since i knew Sabrina at SUNY Downstate before 2013 and to present was always something pleasant about her brother and how proud she was of him..  My son  James "Jr" had the pleasure of meeting him in Manhattan years ago and until this day never forgot his smile and his sense of commitment.   In life sometimes you don't need to know someone physically to know their impact ... Sabrina would talk about Junior (day in day out), where he lived, where he worked, his strong belief in Clinicals/Healthcare, where he went to church, his roommates, his parents (RIP),  his love for her and how she was there for him during some of his rough patches in life, how he treated strangers, his love for his nephew - Chris and looking forward to his graduation...  Sabrina talked about his jokes, making fun of her, always making her smile....  Again beauty is in the eyes of the beholder but in  Virdree Burns aka Junior case... His memory i felt,  receive a  visual   and will continue to feel through the eyes of my best friend Sabrina Burns..  My Sis, My BFF - Sabrina Burns, i love you and appreciate you sharing every memory of your brother  "junior" - Virdree Burns with me and my son James A. Smith  aka "junior"...  hmm also born in December...  I guess we do have a lot in common...  Goodbye  "junior" ...  Virdree Burns you were loved in this life and beyond...through the eyes of many ...  

Virdree  Burns Jr was my baby brother who I am proud to say
I'm his sister Sabrina Burns Hartsfield.
Jr was a kind and humble man.
Jr would do his best to help as many people who He could. But that didn't  just stop at people. Jr would take care of the furry babies if the need
arose. Jr did not do the pet sitting too often because Jr had allergies 🤧 
But if Jr knew Napoo our cat needed care for a month, Jr agreed to take care of her for over a month at his house. Napoo fell in love with Jr and Jr fell in love with Napoo.Yes I am So very proud to tell any and everyone my brother is Virdree Burns Jr. Who I  will love forever and I am so heartbroken 💔 since I heard he passed.
I will never be able to pick up a phone to tell him I love him or just to say hi  how are you? Or what you 
doing or what movie you watching😭

Jr I will always love you and I miss you already. I can't imagine You won't be calling Me texting or emailing  Me every again. Oh my dear God this hurts it hurts so bad🙏
The only comfort I feel is I know Mom and Dad are in Heaven with God to greet You.. There is a place for you to rest in eternal peace with them  🙏 🙌 💞 ❤


I have known virdee burns through his sister sabrina Burns to be a loving ,happy and a blissful soul filled with compassion who had to battle many adversaries during his lifetime but battled each one with grace and dignity and a smile  on a smile on his face may god give you peace forever.
Jyoti Bhatnagar



I am so glad I was able to speak to uncle Jr a couple months prior to his passing. I'll be graduating from nursing school next month, and was sad he wouldn't be able to attend. Luckily we spoke for about an hour where he provided me with some great nursing advice. We spoke about his experiences being a nurse, and discussed how different nursing is compared to when he first started. I will remember him along with the advice he gave me, and will do my best to make him proud!

Dear Trish and Sabrina, 
When I think of Virdree I am reminded of Romans 12:1, “...present yourself a living sacrifice, holy, well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service.”  That was Virdree’s life after he came to the church. He served many of us in the love of Christ in so many practical ways.  He faithfully served the Book Room and was always willing to offer his time to serve wherever needed.  I will especially miss his sense of humor and how he’d make us laugh to tears.   What a  precious brother!  May He receive the reward from his Heavenly Father in that day.  And may the  God of Peace comfort you knowing that you will see him again.  What a glorious hope we have!  
Sincerely,
Lucy Assevero 

I want to give a big thank you for all the warm, kind, heartfelt words for Jr♥️

I know he is smiling right now.


Virdree to me was a more of a grandfather figure. He gave me a lot of advice when I needed it the most, and was always encouraging me to blend with the saints. He taught me many things and the one thing I will always remember is how he treated everyone he met.  He was to me the most selfless person I’ve ever met.  We would have long talks, and was always offering me to sleepover. He is somebody I will never forget. 

We were blessed to meet our brother Virdree, and to have a very close relationship with him, when one of our 2 sons went to live with him, we had many visits to his home and he was always very attentive, he shepherded us in a very loving way  He always had a smile and helped both of our  sons a lot, he was a brother with a big heart, his life and living was a testimony in the Lord, we love him and we will miss him.

Trekster!🤗🖖 (A big star trek fan!)
I 💗 Lucy!

I had met with our dear brother Virdree in 34 street hall  and then 97 street hall for many years. Our brother faithfully served book room. He always came to Lord’s day meeting on time and tried to share something in prophesying meeting. He once shared with me his personal testimony of being saved by the Lord. I will miss our dear brother Virdree very much. I do hold on the hope that we all will see our brother again before the Lord.

The first time I met Virdree, I was staying at his apartment along with three other college guys he had never met. He took us in and cared for us, selflessly making sure that we had the best experience possible.

When I eventually moved to New York, he became a constant and encouraging presence. Every week at church meetings, he would be there serving, smiling, and faithfully praying. “Faithful” is the word I would use to describe him. Always present and genuinely interested in others. And never complaining or negative. 

Virdree was an encouragement and a role model, especially to the many young men who were touched by his life. I treasure having known him, and he will be dearly missed.

Virdree was the kindest person I have ever met. His warm smile and deep voice was one that you could never forget. 

I can never forget the summer I spent with him and the other Brothers in his home. His all star hospitality was so inviting and he treated you like his son. He had the best interest for any person he met. I am truly blessed to have met him. We love you very much Virdree. 

Vincent Ding

A man with the warmest smile ---

We would like to send our warmest condolences concerning our beloved brother Virdree Burn's passing to Sabrina and Trish. He loved me and cared for me like I was his son. He always gave me a helping hand when I needed it.  He took the deepest interest in helping others, especially in providing an outstanding five star hospitality. A very valuable life lesson that I learned from Virdree is to serve others. He always made sure that others were happy. I count myself very blessed to have known him and treasured all our times together. We love you, big papa. See you soon.

David & Jenny Shi



I would like to extend my deepest condolences concerning Virdee's passing.  We will miss him tremendously.  He was such a wonderful person and dear friend.   I will remember with fondness his smiling face and gentle ways.  I count  myself privileged to have known him and got to sit beside him, while attending church meetings, over many years.  Virdree really understood that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and lived out the reality of it, daily.  

Bob & Suzzann Howe

OBITUARY

Virdree Burns

December 9, 1960 – April 19, 2020

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