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Eileen Burns Obituary
During her life she worked at Whiteway Pharmacy, was a radio programmer on Southwestern College Radio Station "WSWM" and volunteered at Reach for Literacy teaching adults to read. She shared her vast knowledge of music, culture, history and preservation while giving tours and hosting events at the Center for Southern Folklore (CFSF). At CFSF Eileen loved planning events (i.e. invited Elvis Presley's chef, Mary Jenkins, to a "Eat Like the King" event where she served Elvis' favorite food during Elvis week; and book signings for musician Levon Helm and others. Eileen received the Pyramid award for production for one of Prince Gabe's records.
Eileen was the daughter of the late James F. Burns and Elizabeth "Bettye" Land Burns. She was preceded in death by her five siblings James Francis Jr., John Kevin, Patricia Claire, Theresa Hopper, and Margaret Bruch.
Eileen is survived by her two sisters Kathleen (Joe) Speck, Sheila (Eric) Lewis, a brother Kevin (Meg) Burns and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Friday, June 6, 2025 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Canale Funeral Directors, 2700 Union Ave Extended, 38112, with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. A mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 7, 2025 at The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, 1695 Central Avenue, with an interment at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to: Memphis Literacy Institute @ https://www.memphisliteracy.org/ , https://www.literacymidsouth.org/ Overton Park Conservancy @ https://overtonpark.org/the-conservancy/, or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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for Eileen Burns
Sponsored by Canale Funeral Directors - Memphis.
2 Entries
Childhood
June 12, 2025
So very sorry for your loss.
Leigh Boyd Poole
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Steve Camp
June 5, 2025
God bless Eileen and all the wonderful Burns family.
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Canale Funeral Directors - Memphis2700 Union Avenue Extended, Memphis, TN 38112
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