Mary Jane Burns

September 27, 1950 — April 24, 2024

Beckley, WV

“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love”. Eph. 4:2

Mary Jane Burns, 73, of Beckley, WV, formerly of Mullens, WV, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 24, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Harry Victor Gill and the late Ruth Rachel Jenkins-Gill. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Maria Jane Bond, her first husband, Harold Ray Bond, her beloved Aunts and Uncles, and her “son” James Douglas Bishop. Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Jim Burns of Beckley, WV; her children, Randall Bond (Cheryl) of Mullens, WV, and Darlene Bishop (Henry) of Flat Top, WV; her precious grandchildren, Ethan Bishop, Katie Bishop, “Kit” Carson Bishop, Kendra Bond, Karleigh Bond, Abbie Cox, Madison Cox, Henry Cox, Jr., Charles “CJ” Cox, dear cousins, extended family and friends.

Mary was a sweet, gentle soul, humble in spirit and kind to everyone. She always had a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her face. Her cheerfulness was contagious. She made you laugh and feel loved, she was the sunshine to your day.

She was born in Fayetteville, WV, although she spent her first years living in Tucson, AZ, while her Father battled tuberculosis in the veteran’s hospital. She lost him at the tender age of 3 and at the same time was herself struck with tuberculosis. Nearly dying, Mary underwent a radical procedure of the spine that saved her life, one that the medical community would marvel at well into her older years. Even as an adult woman with 3 children, the surgery was considered so advanced and ahead of its time that she became the subject of a national conference of doctors. At the same age of 3, her Mother walked out of her life forever and soon after Mary fell ill with scarlet fever. She was lovingly cared for by her father’s family and for those years she was grateful. After residing in the Child Care Center in Beckley, WV for several years, she came to Mullens, WV to live. She began school as a freshman at Mullens High School, where she made lifelong friends who remained close to her into her golden years. She was part of the graduating class of 1969.

She enjoyed working the election polls for many years, hosting parties for Home Interior, Tupperware, Avon, gatherings of friends and church families. She loved to entertain and Christmastime was no exception. The decadent goodies and seasonal delights poured out of her kitchen and into the homes of those she loved. Her homemade rolls were legendary and always abundant. Hundreds of Christmas music cd’s she gifted to friends and strangers over the years, hoping to spread some cheer and brighten their day. She loved to give, to encourage and uplift, she was selfless and generous and gracious to all.

Mary found a great love for camping and enjoyed many weekends and summers at the camp, going to flea markets, at home she loved working in her flower beds, piecing together puzzles with her family and plastic canvas. She would have yard sales that always turned into social events, making meals for those in need and sending cards to the shut-ins so that they never felt forgotten. Her door and her heart was always open. Going for a drive on a beautiful day or spending a quiet evening at home, she found joy in simplicity, life was a gift and each day she was thankful for it. She found beauty in all of God’s creation, whether it was a fluorescent blaze across an evening sky or the hummingbird outside her window, a starlit night with the sound of the whippoorwills, or the squirrels that came to her door and window each day, waiting to take the crackers from her hand. There was nothing too small for her to appreciate. She loved flowers and funny jokes and cream soda pop, good music and good preaching, she loved her family and friends and China One. Most of all she loved Jesus.

Grandchildren came along and found a special place in her heart. Many times were spent with them laughing and being silly, piled on the bed listening to their stories and telling them how amazing they were. Sitting patiently and being a good sport when they wanted to dye her hair or look through her jewelry, pose for their crazy pictures and pretend to fall for their little pranks. When able she would make her famous chili beans or her apple stack cake and hope that they would remember the little things. She prayed for them every single day.

Her life was not easy and it was not perfect, but she was content and her heart was at peace. She strived to be the Mother that she never had, and to show others that the heart doesn’t have to be bitter and angry in the face of life’s hardships. She left this world a better place.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her worth is far above rubies…Her children rise up and call her blessed”. Proverbs 31

Mary will be laid to rest Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 12 pm. at High Lawn Memorial Park in Oak Hill, WV. Graveside services with Pastor Lewis Arnold will commence with family serving as pallbearers.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.highlawnfuneralhome.com

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Mary Jane Burns

September 27, 1950 — April 24, 2024

Beckley, WV

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