Jean Florence "GeGe" Burney

Jean Florence Burney was welcomed into Heaven on Monday, December 1, 2014, while surrounded by her family. Jean, known lovingly by her family and friends as “GeGe,” was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Everyone who met and knew her were instantly taken in by the twinkle in her eyes and her gorgeous loving smile.

Born July 19, 1928, in Tyler to Gus Florence and Adele Nunnelee Florence, she grew up in Tyler, and graduated from Tyler High. She went to the University of Texas and was a member of Chi Omega sorority. While she was there she met her husband, William Morrow Burney. She and Bill moved back to Tyler in 1954, where they have lived for the last 60 years. Jean grew up in the First Christian Church and remained an active member for all her life. She was involved through the years with numerous church and civic organizations, but she would want to be remembered most for her unconditional love and devotion for her family and friends. The two absolutes in her life were the love of family and her undying faith in the Lord.

GeGe is survived by her husband of 67 years, William Morrow Burney; her son, Bill Burney and wife Mari, of Houston; daughters, Cyndy Burney Hough, of Tyler and Carolyn Burney Hortenstine and husband Dale, of Houston; grandchildren, Brooke Zarr and husband Jeff, Mark Burney and wife Kristen, and Mike Burney, all of Houston, Blake Hough Tucker and husband Matt, of Tyler, Whitney Hough Ward and husband Michael, of Dallas, and Matt Hortenstine and Brad Hortenstine, of Houston; and great-grandchildren, Riley, Jake, Annie, Knox and Sellers.

GeGe was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Brent Burney; and daughter-in-law, Kathy Burney.

Pallbearers are Hansel Crank, Clyde Davis, Bill Ross, Dr. Merwyn Pickle, Charles Halstead, Jim Dowdy and Dean Chapman.

The family would like to thank Ashley, Courtney, Andrew, Jenna, Jackie, Clara, Linda, Nancy, Jerry and all the staff at The Hamptons for all the love and care they showed our GeGe. We will forever be grateful.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 P.M., Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at Lloyd James Funeral Home.

A celebration of her life is scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2014, at 11:00 A.M. at First Christian Church.