Norma S. Burns

Norma Sue Burns, 91, passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2023 in Arlington.

Funeral: 11 a.m. Thursday, August 31, at First Christian Church, 910 S. Collins St., Arlington. Graveside: 1:15 p.m. at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas.

Norma was born August 7, 1932 in Brownwood, Texas to Walter E. and Lela Gill. She was a graduate of Brownwood High School. She attended both Howard Payne College and Sul Ross College on band scholarships, graduating from Howard Payne College in 1953, with a degree in English. Following graduation, Norma taught English and coached girls’ basketball at the High School in Eden, Texas.

Norma married the love of her life, William Cunningham (WC/Bill/Wildcat) Burns on February 27, 1954, after which they moved to Houston, Texas. During their time in Houston, two sons, Michael and Brent were born. The family then moved to Pampa, Texas where Norma was a housewife, sang in their church choir, and was also a choir director to a small community church outside of Pampa.

In 1963 Norma and her family relocated to Arlington, Texas, where she taught 2nd grade at C. C. Duff Elementary for 14 years. She sang in the church choir at First Christian Church, was the church historian for many years and worked with the church’s World Outreach to Missionaries in Africa and China. Norma loved to sing and was often requested to perform at weddings and other church events.

Norma taught English classes at Polytechnic High School to Immigrants seeking U.S. Citizenship. Also, she was very proud of being a volunteer for 15 years as a team member patterning with an Arlington shooting victim Kevin Curnutt.

Norma was a dedicated Christian, devoted to her husband, her sons and their families, her extended family members, as well as her students past and present. Her grandchildren, Adam and Shawn Burns, were the light of her life. Norma and W.C. were the ultimate cheerleaders, rarely missing a game or event the boys participated in. She was a fine and faithful Christian by the life she led. She was a loving caregiver and devoted wife of 63 years. When her husband W.C. was diagnosed with Dementia in 2006, she took care of him until his passing in 2017.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband W.C. Burns in 2017, her brother Walter Gill, Jr., her sister June McCallum, and her brother Howard Gill.

Norma is survived by sons: Michael of Little Rock, Brent and wife Debbie of Arlington. Grandchildren: Adam and wife Kelley of Arlington, Shawn and wife Jordin of San Antonio. Great-Grandchildren: Presley, Lawson, and Madeline Burns of Arlington. As well, Norma is survived by an extended list of nephew and nieces, cousins from far back and extended family members.

The family would like to thank the staff at Avalon Arlington and All Star Hospice for their care and support shown to Norma. We would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and caregivers at Avalon Arlington who continually showed Norma love and respect these past 8 months. We truly feel God directed us to you and your wonderful services. We always were comfortable knowing she was being cared for and in loving hands. To our family and friends who continually prayed and visited Norma over the years, thank you.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Christian Church of Arlington earmarked the World Outreach Ministry or Alzheimer’s Association, in memory of Norma Sue Burns.