Obituary published on Legacy.com by Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home - Flint on Jul. 6, 2023.
BURNS, Mrs. Shirley - Age 86, passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at her residence. Family hour 10:00AM Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 1610 Pierson Road, with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM Pastor Rapheal Read officiating. Interment Great Lakes National Cemetery,
G-4200 Belford Rd., Holly, Michigan 48442. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:00AM Saturday. Mrs. Burns will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Friday. Mrs. Shirley Louise (Stokes) Burns was born August 4, 1936 in
Charleston, West Virginia, the daughter of Bishop Cleveland and Virginia Stokes. Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was employed by Michigan Bell as an Operator and advanced to a Repair Technician before retiring in 1993 with 35 years of service. Shirley was married for 50 years to Clinton Burns and from this union 5 children were born, Gilbert, Theresa, Lavernon, Cynthia and Donna; stepchildren, Chawania and Clinton Jr.; adopted daughter, Sarah. Although she was an amazing strong woman, she was loved by all that met her. Shirley enjoyed soap operas and cooking those famous homemade rolls on holidays. Her great spirit, joyous smile and beautiful singing could light up any room. Her family was very important to her and always came first. Once you met her you couldn't help but to feel the love she gave to all. Shirley was one of the most loving, kindhearted and caring people in this world. She would help anyone in need if she could no matter what. Shirley Louise Burns leaves to cherish her memory: Sarah, Gilbert, Lavernon, Cynthia, Donna, all of Flint, Donny Young, Danetta Sanders, Chawana and Tabace Burns, all of
Knoxville, TN; also leaves 12 grandchildren of Flint, Dereke Williams, Kendra (Charles) Lewis, Yukilah Riley, La'Trease Hawkins, Donald Oliver, Timell Burns, Cesilie Burns, Breanna Brackins, Kimberly Clark, Deeonna Howard and Kai'lee Burns; 7 grandchildren in Tennessee, Jagada, Cashana, Brice, Brandi, Clinton III, Alesha and Dedra; 49 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson; special nephew, Zachary McClure of Flint; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends including special adopted family, June, Roderick, Quetta, Royce and Dwight Tidwell. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Clinton; daughter, Theresa; step-son, Clinton Jr.; step-daughter, Charmaine; granddaughter, Cherisse; great-grandson, Kwame; parents, Bishop Cleveland and Virginia Stokes; brother, Delbert; 4 sisters, Dorcas, Ruby, Leah and Pearl; adopted mother, Jessie Garland; and mother-in-law, Laversa Burns. The family would like to express special thanks to the 9th Floor Nurse at Hurley Medical Center and the Medical Team, Rachel and Jennifer, and the Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church Family.