Alta Burns

Alta Marie Burns departed this world for her heavenly home August 4, 2022.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother “Mimi”, sister, and friend. She was born to Chester and Alma Stallings on March 28, 1936.  After graduating from Jonesboro High School, she pursued her dream of teaching beginning at Annie Camp Junior High school and culminating as a professor at Arkansas State University.

On December 29, 1957, she married the love of her life, Finis Burns, and together they raised three children.  Alta’s love of dancing, singing, and playing the piano created an atmosphere of joy and celebration in the family home, and many gatherings resulted in sing-alongs around her piano.  Love for family and friends was second only to her love of the Lord, and the Christian example she set is an inspiration for anyone who knew her.

She was proceeded in death by her husband of 53 years, Finis Burns, parents, Chester and Alma Stallings, brother Sanford Stallings, and sister, Margarette Stevenson.  Survivors include two sons, Warren Burns (Sue), Russell Burns (Norma), daughter Debbie Woods (Jay), sister, Jeanette Graham Little, six grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Monday, August 8, 2022 at Emerson Funeral Home of Jonesboro with Reverend Dave Burgess and Reverend Noel George officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.  Burial will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 1:00 until service time.

To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.