Ann Christine Burns

away peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee on June 16, 2020 at the age of 84. She made the

world a brighter place with her wonderful laugh, ceaseless curiosity, unwavering joy, and

boundless love. Ann loved her large family, traveling, solving puzzles, chocolate, and finding

good in others.

Ann was born on February 18, 1936 in Memphis,Tennessee to Dr. Walter Plummer Griffey and

Esther Christine Johnson Griffey. Ann’s family moved throughout the country during her early

years, as her father worked for the United States Public Health Service. She attended the West

Maryland College (now McDaniels College) and was awarded a degree in nursing from the

Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1958 and a Master of Science degree from Texas Woman’s

University in 1974.

Ann married Dr. Chester Ray Burns on August 31, 1962 in Nashville, Tennessee. She lived in

Galveston, Texas for over 40 years, where Ann was a nurse at the University of Texas Medical

Branch. She held numerous positions there including working as a floor nurse on the

postpartum unit, leading as a nurse educator and working with the childhood diabetes team as a

diabetes educator. She was also an active member of Moody Methodist Church, the Beta Club

and the Women’s Hospital Auxiliary Group at UTMB, a volunteer at Meals on Wheels, a

participant in UTMB Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and a supporter of the Galveston Island

State Park. Ann moved to the Harpeth Meadows Independent Living Neighborhood in Nashville

in 2014, where she enjoyed being closer to family, making new friends, attending the symphony,

and volunteering at the Percy Warner Park Nature Center.

Ann is survived by her daughter Dr. Margaret Christine Burns Krause (and her husband Todd

Krause), and granddaughters Amy, Megan, and Charlotte Krause of New York, New York. She

also survived by her son Michael Derek Burns (and his wife Susan Hines) of Chattanooga, TN

as well as her brothers Dr. Walter Plummer Griffey, Jr. and Dr. Richard Thomas Griffey. Ann

was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Dr. Chester Burns. Donations in

celebration of Ann’s life can be sent to the Galveston Island State Park Native Wildlife and

Endangered Species Fund :

- Address:

- Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation

- 2914 Swiss Avenue Dallas, Texas 75204

- Phone: 214.720.1478

- Email: info@tpwf.org

There will be a celebration of life hosted at a later date, when people can gather, hug, and

rejoice in Ann’s memory.