White Sulphur Springs-Jesse Elmer Burns, 85, went home to his Heavenly Father on Monday afternoon, July 20, 2015, at the Clapps Nursing Home near Greensboro, North Carolina.
Jesse was born Aug. 23, 1929, in Boutetort, VA, to the late Jesse Sr. and Georgia Burns. He is one of four siblings – Celestine Waller, Helen Prater and Joseph Burns.
Jesse loved the Lord and his church. Jesse served for many years as a Deacon at First Baptist thus giving him the honor of being called one of the oldest deacons at First Baptist. He also served on the Gents committee where they enjoyed attending football games at WVU for many years.
He graduated from Bowling High School and was a member of the Alumni Association.
In his earlier years Jesse was an employee of The Greenbrier. Later he worked for the C.W. Lewis, Inc. automobile dealership in White Sulphur Springs where he soon was known for his expertise throughout the area as an automobile detailer. He was also a director on the Greenhill Cemetery Board for many years.
He served in the United States Army from May 16, 1951 until May 15, 1953.
He was united in Holy Matrimony to his sweetheart, Ruth Greene on Jan. 15, 1954. From this union came three daughters – Gail Woods, Cheryl Vaughn and Melissa Madden.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Burns; his daughter, Cheryl Vaughn; and his sister, Celestine Waller.
Left to celebrate and cherish his life memories are: his daughters, Gail and Melissa (Patrick); his grandchildren – Jynnea Adams-Harold and Tai, Veronica Vaughn and Ave-Maria, Emmanuel and Zion; his sister, Helen Craig Prater; and his brother, Joseph Burns. Also left to cherish memories of him are his special friends. Every friend he had was “very special” in some way to him, and the feeling was mutual to all who knew him.
Jesse’s service of love was held Saturday, July 25, at the First Baptist Church in White Sulphur Springs where Rev. Greg Scott officiated.
Shanklin Funeral Home, White Sulphur Springs, is serving the family.
