Geneva Belle Burns

GENEVA BELLE BURNS, 85, died on Sunday, July 18, 2010. She was born on February 2, 1925 in Corrigan, TX. She was the eldest daughter of Zelma and John Bailey Willson and helped raise 6 brothers: Frank, William H. (Dub), Elvin (Coot), Joe, Sam and Charlie and 2 sisters: Mattie and Betty. At an early age, she worked on the family farm and learned to sew and cook. She married Elbert Burns at 18 and had one child, Aline, who she supported while her husband served in Southeast Asia during WWII. She cultivated her love of art, sewing, quilting and cooking throughout her lifetime and travelled extensively with Elbert. She enjoyed learning about different cultures and incorporated that learning into her crafts. She nurtured one daughter, two granddaughters, four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Magnolia. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Aline; parents, Zelma and John Bailey Willson; and 5 brothers and 1 sister. She is survived by her husband, Elbert L. Burns, Jr.; grandchildren, Geneva Hollis and husband Stan and Sarah Eickenhorst and husband Randy; great grandchildren, Ben Eickenhorst, Sam Eickenhorst, Rachel Hollis, and Jack Eickenhorst; siblings, Mattie Powell and Charlie Willson; numerous nieces and nephews, and many others who loved her dearly. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Magnolia Children's Ministry.