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Dorothea Burns Obituary
Dorothea's early years were shaped by both love and hardship. At the age of 11, she faced the devastating loss of her mother, Gladys. Despite this tragedy, she grew up surrounded by her siblings-Sarah, Constance, Arthur Jr., Anita, and James-finding strength in family bonds. Her father later remarried Josephine Cook, expanding their family with four more siblings: Eugene, Michael, Keith, and Diane.
On August 21, 1949, Dorothea married Clifton Waldon Burns, the love of her life. Together they built a home filled with love and devotion, raising four children: Clifton Jr., Kevin, Vicki, and Laurie. Their marriage spanned nearly six decades until Clifton's passing in 2009.
Dorothea's passion for service was evident throughout her life. After graduating from Central High School, she dedicated herself to uplifting her community through the Hallie Q. Brown/Martin Luther King Community Center. She began as a volunteer before taking on leadership roles as Day Camp Director and later Assistant Executive Director. Her efforts culminated in serving as Acting Executive Director just before retirement. Under her leadership, the center underwent significant expansion and improvements that enriched countless lives.
Her unwavering commitment to equity and empowerment earned her numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Leader Award from YMCA's Camp Widjiwagan, the Award for Service to Humankind from the Sertoma Club of Minnesota, and the Lifetime of Distinguished Service Award from Hallie Q. Brown Community Center. She was also honored by organizations such as the Girl Scouts Council of St. Croix Valley, St. Paul Urban League, Genesis II, WCCO Radio's Good Neighbor Award program, and the Indianhead Council of Boy Scouts of America.
Beyond her professional contributions, Dorothea actively participated in organizations such as the Schubert Club, Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Tubman Family Alliance, and Twin Cities Continental Societies. Her dedication to these causes reflected her lifelong mission to uplift others.
Above all else, Dorothea cherished her family. As a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, she radiated warmth and wisdom. She leaves behind sons Clifton Jr. and Kevin; daughters Vicki (Lisa) and Laurie (Ralph); granddaughters Angela (Curtis) and Tracey (Jamison); great-grandchildren Ashayla, Josiah, Taylor, Wynter, Marcus, and Reyna; great-great-grandchildren Mikoh and Amierra; siblings Anita, Eugene, Michael, and Diane; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Gladys Hill; stepmother Josephine; siblings Sarah, Constance, Arthur Jr., James, and Keith; and her beloved husband Clifton.
A Homegoing celebration will take place on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer (285 Dale St N., St. Paul). Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. A repast will be held at Hallie Q. Brown Community Center (270 N. Kent St., St. Paul) at 1pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dorothea's memory may be made to Hallie Q. Brown Community Center.
Dorothea J. Burns lived a life defined by service and love. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.
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Chris Knopff
April 22, 2025
Dorothea was my dental hygiene patient for many years and I always looked forward to seeing her. She was just a calming , confident, beautiful woman that could reset a hectic day for me. I doubt that she knew she was doing it, but she was. And she will be so missed by many I am sure.
Lorena Palm
March 20, 2025
Dorothea Burns was not only a Girl Scout as a girl and a Girl Scout leader as an adult, she was the Board Chair for the St. Croix Valley Girl Scout Council for 6 years during the 1990's. Recently she was honored as a Founder in the Founders Hall at the North Star Museum of Boy Scouting and Girl Scouting. The honor recognized her years of service to girls and to Girl Scouting. Her photo is placed in the Founders Hall at the museum. Sandy Craighead and I both worked with her. We admired her dedication and quiet peaceful way of leading.
From Lorena Palm and Sandy Craighead, Board members for the North Star Museum of Boy Scouting and Girl Scouting.
Patricia Ogbeide-Ihama
March 18, 2025
Hi, Angela. I hope the following that was shared during my mom's funeral will bring you and your family some comfort. Please know that I'm praying for all of you. I pray her soul rest in peace.
"Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you. Whatever we were to each other that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was, let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? It is well."
Holly Brown
March 9, 2025
Mrs. BURN was a wonderful woman. I remember her always being so nice and sweet. I knew her from family and Hallie Q Brown.
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Timothy L. White
March 7, 2025
I Remember Dorothea Burns when I worked for Hallie Q. Brown for 19 years starting in1974. Dorothea was and will be an ICON in the St. Paul community! Well done My good and faithful servant well done. Tim White
Linda Coleman
March 7, 2025
Blessings to Mrs. Doretha´s family. We will miss her kindness and love always shown. She was a blessing to me and my two boys. Moving to the Rondo community; as a single parent, needing guidance as I sought care for my two boys after school, Mrs. Doretha was a Godsent. She helped me to enroll the boys in afterschool care at Hallie Q Brown and helped me to secure finances to pay for care. Mrs. Doretha was an angel in the community for single parents like me. I will always remember her love and support. Linda Thompson Coleman and family
Leetta Douglas
March 7, 2025
Mrs. Burns was my Brownie leader and Girl Scout leader in the 50's and 60's. She was like a second Mom to me and so many young ladies from Rondo. I am who I am today because of her wisdom. Thank you Mrs. Burns
Tracey Burns (Cross)
March 6, 2025
Grandma, I remember:
~goofing around the halls at Hallie, then hearing your pantyhose swishing and your heels hitting the carpet as you'd come around the corner - I'd quickly run back to clubroom C before being caught.
~feeling special cause you and my great aunts worked at Hallie - y'all would fill my hands with candy corn or quarters to get a snack from the canteen
I remember:
~having lunch with you and Papa
~attending performances at the Ordway
~yearly Santa Bear and Continental events
~your endless sneezing!
I remember:
~waiting on the couch with Papa, for you to come home just as Wheel of Fortune began
~you'd let me play with your printing calculator and typewriter
~you snoring so loud!
~you always woke up with your hair done!
I remember:
~bringing you butter pecan milkshakes, with a cherry on top - and you wouldn't share!
~sitting with you in the front room or the bedroom
~your distinct laugh
I remember you saying to me:
~Don't walk on the back of your shoes
~I beg your pardon!
~pick up your feet
~ask your father
~love you, my dear
Grandma, what a privilege to have been your granddaughter. You taught me many things. I hope to continue to make you proud.
Because of you, I learned how to keep my work desk and counter tops free of paper piles.
To me, you were a source of quiet strength, perseverance, and an example of service to others.
Grandma, I am a better person because you were in my life.
You are now fully restored.
I love you!
Taylor
March 6, 2025
Poem for my great-grandmother
like fog over the lake
the essence of us carries on
forever above
the body of water that sustains many lives
and this water tastes like love
so now we must dedicate the world to you
you brought to life generations
how can we thank you enough for your generosity
and your grace
understanding that I am your living legacy, your great-granddaughter
I now dedicate the world to you
how grateful I am to know you
even if only through memories as a child
how grateful I am to know you
as your child, one of many that looked up to you
Cynthia Fraction
March 5, 2025
Hi Angela. I am deeply sorry for the loss of your grandmother. Hold onto the beautiful memories with her, as they will continue to bring you strength and peace. "Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day."
Felicia (Hill) Roberts
March 5, 2025
I send my heartfelt Condolences to the Family and want you to know that Mrs. Dorothea Burns Legacy will also live through the lives of all the Rondo children that knew her and who had been impacted by this Beautiful, Brilliant, masterpiece of a woman. Her Leadership, and Ability to thrive through the toughest of time was impeccable! The Hallie Q. Brown Center was a refuge and place of safety for us young people: there were dances, classes that taught us how to make constructive life decisions and build our character, crafts, karate, and many more positive programs that help shape the narrative of our story and how we represented Rondo! Mrs. Burns was a Phenomenal being who invaded our Community with her Love, Grace, and Kindness! She was a Pathfinder who carved the way for us to grow up with Dignity and Pride! She will never be forgotten! You, my dear, will always be Remembered, cherished, and commemorated! Love you to the Burns family and thanks for sharing your Precious Mother with the Community and myself!
-Felicia (Hill) Roberts
Benny Roberts
March 5, 2025
My name is Benny Roberts and I am the Executive Director of Hallie Q Brown. I wanted to reach out with a statement regarding the passing away of Dorothea Burns.
First, I would never call her by her full name, as far as I'm concerned, her name is Mrs. Burns. We are praying for healthy grief and sending out condolences to the Burns family and they know that we are here for them in spirit and in community.
Second, we were all blessed to have ever known her- even if you haven't met her, if you've ever gone to Hallie Q Brown for anytime over the last six decades, you have truly been blessed by the work of her hands. One could literally not tell the HQB story without Mrs. Burns. She was an icon! Anyone living that's from Rondo or were a Hallie kid from back in the day has been touched by her.
Third, her family has left an indelible mark on our organization: she had sisters that also worked at HQB during her tenure, Connie and Sarah. Combine that with her immensely large and influential family, they have touched so much of our community's legacy.
Fourth, she is a timeless example of leadership. She was a force and a fierce advocate for our community. She wasn't afraid to go to bat to ensure that our community had what it needed. Her leadership style would make her exemplary in any point in history.
Fifth, she paved the way for myself to be appointed at Hallie- She was my mentor's mentor, she was the influence of all my influences. She IS the matriarch of our community. She led based on her convictions, she led with her influence, she leveraged her positions as she gained them for the betterment of others. But it was always about her passion for seeing our community thrive. I have the best model in her.
Sixth, Mrs. Burns will live forever as Hallie will always tell her story. She leaves behind a legacy that has been influential in developing some of St. Paul's best and brightest leaders. We are all better because she lived in our world but spoiled that she was in community with us!
May she live on and may we at HQB remain grateful because of the wisdom, convictions, and care that she instilled in us.
Peace,
Benny Roberts
Executive Director
Hallie Q. Brown Community Center
Melinda J Anderson
March 5, 2025
I have known Mrs. Burns & her family for many years (all are beautiful people). Mrs. Burns worked a long time at Hallie Q Brown and this place just has not been the same since her retirement. Mrs. Burns was a sharp dresser too. She may be gone but NOT forgotten. Sending thoughts, prayers & sincere condolences to the Burns family. RIP Beautiful Angel
Cecelia (Littles) Smith
March 5, 2025
The prayers continue for all of you during this difficult time. My heart still feels your loss. I will always cherish the fond memories of Mrs Burns, a pillar of the safe community I grew up in. God bless ...
Cecelia Smith (last on the right)
Fela
March 4, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sharon Coleman
March 2, 2025
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Burns family. We understand that besides Mrs. Burns, you´ve experienced several losses in your family this year. We offer our prayers for God to give you peace in your hearts for Mrs. Burns and the other loved ones that have gone to be with the Lord. May God bless and keep you as only He can. Sharon, Don Michael, Jada, and Josiah Coleman.
Kedar Hickman
March 2, 2025
Dear Cliff, Kevin, Lori, and Vickie,
We are holding you close in our hearts during this time of sorrow as you grieve the loss of your beloved mother, our great cousin and family elder, Aunt Dorothea. Her unwavering strength, kindness, and wisdom have been a powerful force in our family, grounding us like the roots of a mighty tree. Her legacy of love and resilience will continue to nourish and inspire us for generations to come.
Aunt Dorothea´s journey was one of faith, courage, and devotion to family. We hope you find comfort in each other and in the precious memories you shared with her-the moments of laughter, her words of encouragement, and the warmth of her embrace. May these memories bring you solace and remind you of the profound impact she had on all of our lives.
Our family´s prayer is for your healing and peace in the days ahead. We also hope for a light-filled ancestral journey for Aunt Dorothea, where she is welcomed with open arms by those who came before us, finding rest and joy in the eternal light of truth.
With deepest sympathy and all our love,
Kedar and Family
Erick L Goodlow
March 2, 2025
A Pilar and Strong model of Achievement in St Paul and beyond. Condolences to the family from the Goodlows
Jonita L Hill
March 1, 2025
Dorthea Burns, one of the sweetest, strongest women I knew. My heartfelt condolences to all the family. It was a honor over the he years to have her as my sister n law.
Gwen Peterson
March 1, 2025
My condolences to the Burns family. We have lost another pillar of the Rondo community. Thank you Mrs. Burns for all you gave to us.
James A. Williams
February 28, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to the Family. Mrs Burns was instrumental to me starting the journey to being an artist. She made Hallie Q Brown feel like home. Thank you. Rest In Peace. James A Williams
Mary Craig
February 27, 2025
I'm sorry for your loss..my sincere condolences to the Burn's family.
Shirley Lynn-McGill
February 27, 2025
Ms Burns will always be remembered. Condolences to all her family.
Yvonne Ellis
February 26, 2025
Our families condolences to the Burns family.
Ms. Dorothea was a God send & guiding light for myself and family when I moved to Saint Paul in August of 1976. She provided a way for my daughter Ti'Ann to join an already filled Day Care at HQB.
We will always be grateful.
Paul and Diane Jacobson
February 26, 2025
Dorothea was president of the congregation of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer when we joined in the 80s. In fact, she was one of the reasons we joined the Redeemer congregation. We will always remember her profound kindness and keen intellect, as well as her humor. We are blest to have been among her friends.
Paul and Diane Jacobson
John Gehan
February 26, 2025
Sorry for your loss. I remember Dorothea from the (not so old) days. Sweet dreams, Dorothea.
Margaret Brown
February 26, 2025
I will always appreciate and feel blessed knowing and working with Mrs. Burns at Hallie Q. Brown Community Center. Her grace, dedication and compassion were admirable. Margaret Brown
Terry anderson
February 25, 2025
I was Dorotheas hospice aide and the first visit the 2 amazing daughters Laurie and Vicky said we don't know what we're doing and Dorothea had this big smile on her face. The family took such wonderful care of there mama.it was and honor for me to be apart of that care she will be missed.
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