Mary Ruth Burns

Mary Ruth Burns entered the presence of God on January 5th, 2024, at the age of 91. She passed away peacefully in a local Hospice facility after a long battle with dementia. Mary was born on January 14th 1932 in Walkerville, Arkansas. Her family eventually moved to Texarkana where she was a graduate of Arkansas High School in 1950. In that same year she met and married the love of her life, Joe Burns, and they had a very happy marriage for 65 years!! After their wedding they spent some time in Wichita Falls before settling in Dallas Texas for the next 20 years. Here they raised 3 sons, Joe Jr., Keith and Christopher. Mary spent the majority of this time as a loving stay at home mom, creating an almost 1960’s Television mother and home. She loved to bake, cook, and shop. She was always the first car in line to pick up her child from school. She lovingly took care of her entire family and any of our friends that came to the house. Everyone was welcomed and made to feel like a part of the family. As grandchildren came along, “Nanny” continued to be a loving mother figure to each generation of kids. And all of us have very fond memories of the special little things she would do and the time that she took to show her love.

Mary and Joe were members of Unity Baptist Church and through the church and neighbors long time friendships were born. Everyone knew Ms. Mary and how well she baked. On at least 3 occasions her Italian Cream Cake was auctioned for over $200 at church bake sales. Back yard cook outs, fish fry’s and Christmas and Easter dinners were always large family gatherings. Church trips to Branson was always a big event for Mary and Joe and the Unity Church group. Mary was a devoted Christian and believer in Jesus Christ, she set a good example of how to live and had an influence on many. It is safe to say that everyone that met her knew her as a gentle and loving person and saw a great wife, mother, mother-n-law, grandmother, and friend.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents Walter and Effie Blalock, husband Joe Burns Sr. in 2015, her youngest son Christopher in 1992, her brother Sgt. Mervin Blalock (KIA Korea 1951), Brother Lt. Wayne Blalock of Houston Texas, sister Laverne Johnston of Little Rock, brother Thurman Blalock of Texarkana, and daughter-in-law Patty Burns in 2003.

She is survived by her son Joe Burns Jr. of Texarkana and companion Phoung Nguyen, Son Keith Burns and wife Theresa Burns of Lone Oak Texas, Grandchildren Susan Jenkins and husband Mark of Wolfe City Texas, T. J. Burns and wife Kyla of Royse City Texas, Laura Merritt and husband Chris of Rockwall Texas, Corey Baumann and husband Joe of Texarkana, and Cody Burns of Lone Oak Texas. Along with 5 great grandchildren.

Special thanks go to the folks at Unity Baptist Church for prayers and support, the staff of Cornerstone Retirement Center and Bunch Memory Care Facility for your loving care over many years and the Texarkana Hospice Facility for taking care of Mary in her final days. Thank you all so much!

A burial service date is being determined.

Thank you, Mom, we all Love you! Be at rest and at peace. Till we are reunited in His Glory.

Go Rest High on that Mountain,

Your work on earth is done!

Go to Heaven a shouting,

Love for the Father, and the Son!!