Dr. John Luther Burns

Dr. John Luther Burns, 89, of Jonesboro passed from this life Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at Craighead nursing home. He was born to the late John Luther and Hattie Burns Sr. in May 25, 1932 in Walland, TN.

John was a member of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro and served as a Deacon, while He and his wife volunteered at the care center at the church. He graduated with a Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. John received his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Psychology from the University of Texas in Austin. He served as the Assistant Dean of Students at UT Knoxville. He was a Professor at Arkansas State University from 1969 to 1994 and was a member of The First 100 Distinguished Faculty. He was also a member of the Arkansas State University Board of Trustees, Emeritus Professor of Counselor Education. John was awarded the President’s Fellow in recognition of leadership and contributions to ASU in 1984 and 1985 and numerous honor societies and research foundations. He also served as chaplain of the Local BPOE in Jonesboro and was a Navy Veteran. He also enjoyed traveling, time with family and playing cards.

In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his wife Naomi Jean Burns of 61 years; sisters, Norma Burns Cook and Ruth Burns.

John is survived by his daughter, Martha (Tommy) Strickland of Munford, TN; son, Alan (Susan) Burns of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Ashley (Blake) Vickers of Cabot, Matthew Burns of Jonesboro, Madison Burns of Conway, Micheal (Bethany) Collins of Jonesboro, Stephanie (Shane) Hendrix of Arlington, TN, Joshua (Kim) Strickland of Covington, TN, and Stacey Spratlin of Hernando, MS; great grandchildren, Saylor and Vivian Vickers, Mikayla Owen, and Abby Branch.

For lasting memorials the family asks to please consider Donations to The Alzheimer's Association or the care center at first Baptist Church of Jonesboro.

Services will be private.