Lois Burns

Lois Margaret Williams Burns, 91, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, in Smithville, Texas. 

Lois was born on December 14, 1932, in Smithville, Texas, to parents Charles Rhem Williams and Lois Pickney Hart Williams. Part of a large loving family, Lois was preceded in death by her parents and by seven of her eight siblings: brothers Vernon Hart Williams, Charles Rhem Williams, Jr., Martin Sanford Williams, and Kenneth Jack Williams; and sisters Betsy Josephine Williams Duty, Shirley Ann Williams Patterson, and Gladys Belle Williams Brooks. Lois was preceded in death by her son, Jerry Duane Burns, and by her granddaughter Leslie Amelia Burns. Lois was preceded in death by her parents-in-law John Thomas Burns and Lena Pruess Burns, and brothers-in-law John Christian Burns and Floyd Frank Burns. She was predeceased also by nephews David Duty, James Williams, and Michael Burns, and by niece Vanessa Williams Niesner. 

Lois is survived by her loving husband of more than 73 years, Lloyd Leslie Burns. She is survived by grandson John Rhem Burns, who has been instrumental in her elder care for many years, as well as throughout her recent illness. Lois is survived by her daughter Margaret Kathryn Burns Bunte, son-in-law Charles Edward Bunte, grandsons Jason Bunte and Jordan Bunte, granddaughter-in-law Samantha Sanchez Bunte, and great granddaughters, Lauren Lee Bunte and Olivia Nicole Bunte. Lois is survived by her daughter Sheryl Lynn Burns Kelley, son-in-law Roger Lynn Kelley, and grandchildren Alex and J.D. Burns, and Kate and Haley Posey. Lois is survived by her sister Sandra Marie Williams Fitzgerald, by sisters-in-law Billie Williams and Diane Williams, and by numerous nephews and nieces and their families.

Lois was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who loved spending time with family and telling stories. She was a strong, kind, and giving woman who always stood by and cared for her family. Lois was a woman of significant talents – the best cook and most generous holiday hostess that most in the family have ever known, and a textile artist who sewed her children’s clothes, embroidered treasured Christmas stockings, crocheted blankets and kitchen items, and made beautiful quilts and quilted table runners, stockings, and tree skirts. She had a strong ‘just do it’ spirit that made it seem like she could do, handle, or fix anything. Lois was adored by her family, and she will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 6, from 10:00 to 10:45 AM, with funeral service following at 11:00 AM, at Marrs-Jones Funeral Home, 110 American Legion Rd., Smithville, Texas, 78975. A brief graveside service will be held at Young School House Cemetery in Upton, Texas. Those desiring to make a memorial donation in lieu of flowers may do so to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.