Emma Mai Burns

On Friday March 22, 2024, Ms. Emma Mai Burns, loving mother, sister, aunt, fiancée and friend to many earned her wings and was called home to live with her Heavenly Father at the age of 77. Ms. Emma Mai Burns was born in College Grove, Tennessee on August 23, 1946 to the late Elder Robert Burns and Emma Baker Burns. Ms. Emma Mai Burns grew up in Nashville, TN, and graduated from Cameron High School. She moved to Indianapolis, IN and raised her only daughter, Dashanda (Burns) Henson. Ms. Emma Mai Burns was a wonderful cook and caregiver by nature and worked as such for several IPS schools, hospitals, private agencies and eventually managed two group homes where she took care of her “guys” for many years until retirement. She continued to house those in need until her health no longer allowed her to do so. Ms. Emma Mai Burns accepted Christ at a young age in Tennessee. She was an active church member that served on the Sisterhood and Usher Board at Calvary Family Church, Indianapolis, IN. She was affectionately known as Mother Mai. She always had snacks and candy in her purse for the kids and adults too. In rare occasions you may have seen and heard her singing “When He Calls Me I Will Answer” with the Burns Ensembles as only she could.

Many people gravitated towards Ms. Emma Mai Burns and claimed her as their Grandmother, Grandma and Ma. She accepted, answered and acknowledged it all. Her smile was inviting and her sense of humor was infectious.

Ms. Emma Mai Burns was preceded in death by her parents Emma Baker Burns and Elder Robert Burns, siblings Idabelle Burns, Gracie Mae Burns, Infant Burns, Raymond Burns, Odessa Brannon, Lawrence Burns, Robbie Ella Jones and Rosa Pearl McFarland.

Ms. Emma Mai Burns is survived by her loving daughter Dashanda (Burns) Henson, son in-law Jason Henson and fiancée John Henry Tyler Indianapolis, IN. She is also survived by sisters Velma Frazier Nashville,TN and Gwendolyn Foreman (Niles) Indianapolis, IN, a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, other relatives, friends, church leaders and members that are also acknowledged as family.

Special acknowledgments from Ms. Emma Mai Burns’ daughter to all of her caregivers, health care providers and senior care advocates over the past few years:

Your attention to mom’s needs and wants were greatly appreciated. Thank you to her like- a -granddaughter Tonya Kelly and her Attentive Care company for helping to keep mom with me, in a home setting instead of a long term nursing home facility. Thank you to Katrina Beach, Jason Henson, John Henry Tyler and Gwendolyn Foreman for always being there when mom and or I needed you. Your sacrifices and kindness are recognized and appreciated.

Mom will miss all of the Davita friends/family she made throughout her many years on dialysis. She really enjoyed getting out and seeing the other patients and caregivers.

To my mother in heaven, thank you for always loving me unconditionally. Even though you are no longer here with me, I can still feel your love guiding me to do the right thing. You will forever be in my heart. I love you and miss you dearly.

Proverbs 31:26

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”

Funeral arrangements are in trusted to Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery. A visitation for Ms. Emma Mai Burns will be held Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208, followed by a celebration of life funeral service at 12:00 PM.