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Roni Burren Obituary
09/21/1977 - 11/24/2023
Dr. Roni Dean Burren, educator, activist, beloved wife, mother, and daughter, passed away on November 24, 2023 in Missouri City, Texas. She is survived by her husband of 24 years, Lilo Burren, and her children, Mars and Dani Burren. Roni was born on September 21, 1977, at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas. She graduated from Clear Brook High School in 1995 and went on to study at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas. At SMU, Roni was inducted into the Kappa Mu chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha and was honored with the university's highest honor, the prestigious M Award. She graduated from SMU with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism in 1999. Roni spent the bulk of her K-12 teaching career at Pearland High School, where she taught English for 11 years and coached the women's track and cross-country teams to 5A-State Championship honors. Roni continued her studies at the University of Houston (U of H), earning her Master's in Education–Educational Leadership in 2012 and a Doctorate in Philosophy–Curriculum and Instruction in 2017. Roni was a fierce advocate for Black women and children and the LGBTQ community in Houston. She was also a nationally recognized thought leader, speaker, and educator advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. Roni is most notably credited for forcing textbook publishing giant McGraw-Hill to
correct the text of its high-school AP World Geography book that taught African- Americans came to the United States as "workers" versus enslaved people. Roni was a voracious reader and loved to give away books. She was also a loving wife, mother, daughter, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Visitation will be held (Saturday) December 2, 2023 from 9-9:55 a.m. Funeral Service to follow at 10:00 a.m. both services will be at Silverlake Church 1865 Cullen Blvd. Rev. Leroy Thomas Jr. Officiant, Bishop Clinton Lincoln Davis, Eulogist, Rev. Reginald DeVaughn Pastor. Dr. Roni Burren will be laid to rest at Houston Memorial Gardens Cemetery
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Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by Troy B. Smith Professional Services.
4 Entries
Apple Gilder
December 3, 2023
Rest in peace
Dr. Paralee Shivers
December 2, 2023
On behalf of the Pisidia MBC Covenant House Homeless Shelter Outreach Team, we wish to share our condolences and sympathy with Rev. Ronnie and Lady Rachel Dean and family. We commend you to the God of all comfort. Dr. Paralee Shivers, Founder, WETI and Pisidia MBC Covenant House Homeless Shelter Outreach Team, Coordinator.
Kristen Nance
December 1, 2023
I met Roni when she won the TCTELA Mercedes Bonner award for advocacy and then got to work with her on the board. While our acquaintance was brief, she made a powerful impression. She was lovely, courageous, and funny. Her influence shaped decisions I made later as a district curriculum leader, and it is my hope that those decisions made for a richer experience for our diverse students. Whenever I waiver or worry about what advocating for students and how such advocacy will be received, Roni comes to mind, and I am lifted up again. I thank God for the opportunity to know her and send love and prayer to her family.
Christopher Bartley
December 1, 2023
I thank God for the privilege to have been acquainted with Roni Burren. I pray God's strength, comfort, and peace for her family and loved ones during this time of bereavement.
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