Shirley Mae Burns, 76, of Hot Springs, AR, transitioned on Sunday, July 7, 2024. She was born on February 27, 1948, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Willie D. and Lee Ondra Mitchell.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Carrie Lane Mildred; her son, Freddie Burns Jr, (January 17, 2000) and her husband, Freddie Burns Sr. (November 24, 2022).

Shirley was a 1966 graduate of Langston High School. Shortly after she united in marriage to the late Freddie Burns Sr., the love of her life, together, they had three children: one daughter and two sons. Shirley was a dedicated member of Greater St. Paul Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Kenneth Gulley. Shirley and Freddie enjoyed years of cruising. She had a passion for shopping. Shirley was an elegant dresser, keenly interested in home decor, and deeply cherished her family. She worked at Levi Hospital in Central Supply and as a Banquet Waitress at the Arlington Hotel for many years. She enjoyed being a foster grandparent with the Head Start program for many years. Later, she worked at Oaklawn Racetrack, where she eagerly anticipated each season.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Susan (Anthony) Burns-Smith; her son, Jerome Burns; her grandchildren: Antwon Burns, Nikki Natt (Marcell), Aqu-Via Childress, and Devante Johnson; her great-grandchildren: Kiyah Anzaldua Burns, A'Jay Burns, Baylee Covey, lil nugget (Nikki & Marcell); all of Hot Springs, AR.  her sisters-in-law: Dorothy Singleton of Memphis, TN; Eula Foster of South Haven, MI; Birdie (Joe) Sorrell of Antonio, Texas; Florence Davis of North Carolina; Gladys Jones, and Linda (Johnny) Taylor, both of Hot Springs, AR; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The visitation will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Carrigan Memorial Funeral Service, 336 E. Grand Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901. The funeral service will be held on July 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Greater St. Paul Baptist Church, 497 Crescent Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901. The burial will follow at Crestview Cemetery 3077 East Grand Ave Hot Springs, AR 71901.

You may sign the guest registry at http://www.carriganmemorial.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.