of Alpena, AR
May 21, 1922 - June 5, 2016
Billie Jean Burns, age 94, of Alpena, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2016, at Mercy Hospital in Berryville, Arkansas. She was born May 21, 1922, in Guy Perkins, Arkansas, the daughter of Thad and Cora Lee (Sims) Halbrook. Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack Osborn Burns; two sisters, Lois Hartwick and Lexie Cargile; a brother, James Halbrook; and one grandson, Billy Jack Burns, Jr.
Jean was a charter member of Burlington Baptist Church teaching Sunday school and organizing VBS. She married Jack December 14, 1944, at Harrison, Arkansas. Jean enjoyed playing Bingo, working crossword puzzles, reading the latest edition of the National Enquirer, and taking nature walks with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to Lick Branch sitting on her special rock and making clover and daisy ''halos'' and leaf hats for them. She was also a very devoted homemaker and cook, making her special butter rolls, which we will all miss.
Jean is survived by three daughters, Sandra Newberry of Alpena, Arkansas, Alice Martin of Farmington, Arkansas, and Remona Armer of Huntsville, Arkansas; her son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Tina Burns, of Alpena; eleven grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.
Visitation was Thursday, June 9, 2016, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.
Funeral service was Friday, June 10, 2016, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, with Bro. Sam Dunham and Bro. Lannie Younger officiating. Interment was in Maplewood Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jean's grandsons, Scott Newberry, Chad Mayfield, Jason Mayfield, Alex Newberry, Billy Jack Burns, II, Knight Armer, John Martin and Buster Burns.
Honorary pallbearers were Jean's granddaughters, Lora Hanshaw, Lasea Forney and Natasha Armer.
Sandra, Alice, Remona and Bill and families
Sorry about your recent loss of Jean. Have a lot of childhood memories as neighbors and friends. Take care.
My favorite Aunt. She carved a place in my heart that will be with me forever.
Lora and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. It is never easy to lose a family member, but grandma's are so very special. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts are with Sandy, Mony, Alice and Bill Jack. May God wrap you and your family in his arms and comfort you during this time.