Nancy Jane (Sykes) Burns Obituary (1933 - 2019)

Nancy Jane (Sykes) Burns, 85, of Russellville, died peacefully and went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, February 20, 2019, at her residence in Brookdale Senior Living, Russellville. The daughter of Charles and Elsie (Kruger) Sykes, she was born March 17, 1933, in Detroit, MI. Nancy was devoted to and married the love of her life and best friend, James Benjamin "Jerry" Burns, Jr., on April 19, 1952, in San Antonio, TX. After raising her children, she worked in the retail industry with M.Hills and Pretty's formerly in Russellville. Nancy was very active in her church and community, holding a lifetime membership in the Junior Auxiliary; membership in the PEO Chapter AH; and was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award from Dwight Elementary PTA. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Russellville, where she assisted in the food preparation ministry, president of the Family Life Circle, active in the United Methodist Woman's organization where she was once deemed Woman of the Year. She was also a charter member of the Carden Sunday School Class; and a certified Stephen's Minister. Her faith community and her service to God were a passion & priority in her life. In addition, she enjoyed playing Bridge; reading; snow skiing; traveling all 50 states with her husband; and enjoying time making memories and building traditions with her family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Tommy Sykes; and a grandson, Aaron Hudson. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, James "Jerry" Burns; a daughter, Debra Hudson (Danny) of Russellville; her son, Steven C. Burns (Rene) of Hot Springs; five grandchildren, Sarah Burns, Matt Fleming (Jennifer), Eric Fleming (Amanda), Chris Hudson (Jenny), Ashley Hudson, ten great grandchildren, Megan Fleming, Kristen Fleming, Andrew Fleming, Grady James, Mikayla Hudson, Morgan Hudson, Mia Hudson, Caden Hudson, Eden Hudson and Eli Hudson; and a brother, Charles Sykes (Glenda). Memorial Service will be 10:00AM, Saturday, February 23, 2019, at First United Methodist Church. Rev. Tony Griffin will officiate. Honorary Pallbearers include: Dr. Stanley Teeter (Maysel), Wednesday Bridge Club, FUMC Family Life Circle, PEO Chapter AH, the Carden Sunday School Class, the Covenant Class, Kindred Hospice, and the staff & employees of Brookdale Assisted Living Center. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service with a private family interment at Oakland Cemetery in Russellville. Visitation with the family will follow the memorial service at the church. Memorials may be made to: First United Methodist Church, 304 South Commerce, Russellville, AR 72801. Internet obituary and on-line guest book are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.