Linda Burns (3-15-23) service 3-24-23
Sister Linda Lou Tate Burns, 73, of Savannah, passed away on Wednesday, March 15. She was born in Savannah, on Jan. 18, 1950, as the middle child and only daughter of the Late Maggie Lou Tate and Louie Tate Sr.
She was united in marriage on Aug. 22, 1986, to Harold Burns. From this union two beautiful children were born, Christopher Devon Burns and Keshia Anquita Burns. Having been brought up on strong family principles and values, she and Harold modeled the African proverb of “It takes a village” by extending that same upbringing in their children, a village of children, nieces and nephews they took under their wings.
Mrs. Burns professed a belief in Christ at an early age and united with Graham Chapel CME Church as a dedicated and treasured member following in her Mother’s footsteps serving on the Stewardess Board and Missionary Society, eventually becoming its’ President. She also worked with the youth, choir and as the church pianist.
She attended Dunbar High School and Central High School, graduating in 1968 and remaining active with lifelong alumni friends. Her higher education journey began at the University of Tennessee at Martin pursuing a Childhood Education degree. In the midst of her expedition she soared to greater heights by becoming a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc., providing lifelong “Service to All Mankind”. After leaving college she accepted a position as a park ranger at Shiloh National Military Park leading educational tours. This experience provided her opportunity to work in the National Park System in Brooklyn, New York and Seattle, Washington. She ultimately moved back to Savannah, continuing employment with the Federal Government at TVA Yellow Creek Nuclear Site.
God led Linda to return to her love for teaching and desire to work with children at Parris South Elementary as a Special Education Assistant under Kathy Browder and Renea Johnson. She was then promoted to serve as a music teacher for eight years.
Her heart for helping others then steered her to Turney Center Industrial Complex Annex. There she built long lasting relationships with many co-workers, one of which was a special friend, Pamela Witherspoon. Linda was well respected and made a difference in the lives of the probational residents. Just like a feather in the wind, after 13 years, her journey there came to a celebrated end in the reward of retirement. Retirement life was quite fitting for her. She spent her time traveling, having long talks with family and friends, participating in church services and events, shopping, dinner dates with her husband, cooking and baking, decorating for the holidays, enjoying the entertainment of social media and her most favorite of them all, family time.
She is survived by her husband Harold Burns of Savannah; son, Christopher Devon Burns of Lawrenceville, Georgia; daughter, Keshia Anquita Burns of Jackson, Tennessee; granddog, the standard poodle, Andy Charles Burns; brothers, Russell N. Tate of Savannah, and Louie Tate Jr. (Virgia) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Martha Burns of Memphis; a host of nieces and nephews, one of whom was more like a little sister, Laura Ann Davis; and devoted friends whom we consider family, Shirley Tall, Queen Seiver, Peggy Moore, Dee Hart, Mary (Maxine) Ross, Denise White, Donna Flournoy, Sondra D. Perry and Linda Irwin.
She was preceded in death by her brother Abraham Lincoln Tate; adopted brother, Rev. Grady Nixon; and one God-brother, Luster Hubbard.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, March 24, 11 a.m., at Graham Chapel CME Church in Savannah, with Prentiss Burdine, Gallian Fulton, Willie Adams, Queen Sevier and Reverend Margaret Blackmon officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Savannah.
