She was born June 9, 1954 in Wichita, Kansas. In 1972, she graduated from Wichita South High School and then with a Bachelor’s in Music Education in 1977 from Emporia State University. She received her Master’s degree in Music Education in 1996 from Wichita State University. on July 28, 1984, she married James “Jim” Burns in Woodland Park, Colorado. She shared her love of music in her work as an orchestra teacher for a total of 35 years in various cities across Kansas, Montana, Washington, and Texas.
Mary touched the lives of many as a teacher, wife, mother, grandmother, community volunteer and friend. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, gardening and camping. Her favorite memories were her wedding to Jim, her son Nathaniel being born, and going on family vacations.
She is preceded in death by her parents Carmen Sylvester and Juanita (Barton) Robinson, her brother-in-law Scott Hollander and her nephew Scott “Scooter” Allen Hollander.
Mary is survived by her husband Jim; son Nate, his wife Keri and grandson Levi; her sister Carol Rose Hollander and her children and grandchildren; her brother James “Jimmy” Rollin Robinson, his wife Wendy and their children and grandchild.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 15, 2018 from 6-8pm at Ellis Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11am Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Midland, Texas. Burial will follow Thursday in Leander, Texas.
