Loraine (Williams) Burns

Loraine Burns, age 81, of Nebo, IL passed away Sunday, April 30, 2023, at Eastside Healthcare. She was born June 3, 1941, in Nebo, IL to Virginia O. Miller and Kenneth Williams.  She married Lindell Burns on May 3, 1961, and he survives.

She was a Class of 1960 Pittsfield High School Graduate and attended Quincy Beauty Academy beginning a lifelong path making friends and helping others feel good about themselves.  Loraine was a homemaker, a mother, a member of the Nebo Baptist Church, an artist and crafter picking up and becoming an expert in more forms of art throughout her lifetime than what can be listed but finding a true gift in crocheting and needle work. She loved gifting the things she made to those that were close to her and bringing joy in knowing that she thought of them.  She loved cooking and made a name for herself with her family and friends with her noodles. An avid gardener, Loraine created flower beds and vegetable gardens that nurtured the spirit and the body with bouquets given to friends and family as well as fresh and canned recipes of food for their tables.  She was a devout St. Louis Cardinal fan with her all-time favorite player being Willie McGee listening to their games as she worked on her sewing or crocheting.

Out of everything that brought joy to her, nothing compared to her grandchildren. Loraine spent decades cheering her grandchildren and their friends from bleachers and lawn chairs as she became friends with other spectators. She loved the time she spent talking with them and spending time around them. Loraine never met a stranger and loved getting to know everyone she came into contact with.

Survivors include her husband, Lindell Burns; daughters, Sandy (Matt) Foreman, Palmyra, MO, Shelly (Mark) Hawk, Aledo, MO, Sue (Jim) Jennette, Fairfield, IL, and Kim (Mike) Merryman, Nebo, IL; nine grandchildren, Kennedy (Korbyn) Cox, Kayla Merryman, Ali Merryman, Nick Merryman, Grant Jennette, Emma (Hunter) Baggett, Olivia Foreman, Rachel (Jared) Brown, and Nick (Rachel) Hawk; one great-granddaughter, Eliana Cox; brothers, Randy Martin and Larry (Sally) Martin; sister, Elaine (Denny) Ruyle; sister-in-law, Edna Shonhart; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth Williams and Virginia Martin.

Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 12:30 PM at Nebo Cemetery.  Visitation will be held prior to the service on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield.  Memorials are suggested to be made to the family c/o Niebur Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.   Niebur Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

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