Sally Burnham

1942 - 2026

Sally Jo Burnham (nee Jackson) passed from this life January 30, 2026 after a prolonged illness. Born to Mildred and Dempsey Jackson on December 12, 1942, she was both beautiful and brilliant-crowned Miss Galena in 1958 and Salutatorian of Galena High School Class of 1960.



After attending Joplin Junior College, Sally worked for two law firms and the Teamsters Union of America where she wore amazing dresses and high heels while using her razor sharp math skills to keep the offices running with precision.



After their first blind date went exceeding well, she married Richard Burnham in 1968. They had many incredible adventures together, moving first to Colorado and then to Texas. Two daughters kept her on her toes throughout the 70s and 80s. She was the ultimate super-mom, always the first to volunteer at school, with an open-door policy to the kitchen cupboards for hordes of hungry teenagers.



Sally loved to read, play bridge, practice yoga and was the President of the Women's Group of St. Barnabas Methodist church for several years. Sally's unmatched organizational skills secured her place as the family archivist. Her meticulously labeled photo albums and lovingly curated recipe books continue to bring joy to us all, particularly her many "salads" that were vegetable-free and gelatine heavy - a great delight to her adored grandchildren.

Her sewing and cross-stitch skills were legendary and the beautiful quilts and wall hangings that she thoughtfully crafted for each of her grandchildren are precious treasures.



She and Richard loved to travel and took many amazing trips. Together they watched the Aspen leaves change colors in Beaver Creek and pursued a pack of wild dogs on safari in Botswana. They cruised the Danube and sailed the Mediterranean on particularly memorable trips with their cousins.

Sally had a gorgeous smile and a great laugh. Always good for an evening out, even when she famously forgot what she had for dinner after drinking a single martini one celebratory night in New York City.



She is survived by her husband of 58 years, daughters Kara and Krista and their spouses Erin and Jason, grandchildren Leia, Maren, Willa, Addie and Zach and her brother Charlie Jackson.

A celebration of Sally's life will be held on March 28, 2026 at 11am

Rolling Oaks Funeral Home

400 Freeport Pkwy.

Coppell, TX 75019

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association of America or Canada.