Arthur Lee Burns Sr.'s Obituary
DEACON ARTHUR LEE BURNS, SR., affectionately known as "Fat So/Fat" was born August 17, 1938, to the late Gladys Wilson Burns-Brocks and Ollie Burns in Madison, Mississippi. Arthur was the eldest child who served as a big brother of six siblings and one-half siblings, whom all he loved dearly. On August 27, 2025, after a long and fulfilling life, surrounded by family, in the comfort of his home, the heavenly angels came to escort him safely to his eternal home.
CHRISTIAN JOURNEY Arthur confessed Christ as his personal savior at an early age. He was baptized and became a member of Ridley Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Later in life, he united with Society Ridge M. B. Church. As a devout member of Society Ridge, for over 55 years, he served in numerous capacities. He formerly served as a Trustee; Usher Board Member; Adult Sunday School Teacher and Master Teacher of Sunday School. He sincerely served in all his endeavors, constantly trying to please God. His dedication and hard work led to him being appointed a deacon under the leadership of Rev. J. C. Rankin. Until his passing, he continued to be an active and devoted member of Society Ridge.
CAREER JOURNEY Arthur received his early childhood and primary education through rural Madison County Schools. His secondary education was received in the Hinds County Schools System graduating from Sumner Hill High Schools in 1957. After graduating from high school, he made the decision to move to Detroit, Michigan. Within a short time, he was back in Jackson, Mississippi. After returning, he tried his hands at a number of jobs, but at Scanlon Taylor Millwork he discovered that woodworking was his love. He contributed significantly to the organization and was acknowledged for his eagerness to learn, commitment, hard work, leadership abilities and willingness to assist throughout his over 40 years career progression. He inherited a strong work ethic and a feeling of purpose from his mother and grandmother. Although he was a multi-talented man, his passion for woodworking and the encouragement from others motivated him to take on extra work to give his family a more stable life by starting and operating his own business. He would attempt anything that had to do with wood cabinets, creating whatever he constructed with the delight of his clients in mind. He grew so successful that he was known as the cabinet guy, from Shady Oaks. throughout the metro area.
FAMILY JOURNEY Arthur's life changed when he met Everlean Ross, On October 1, 1961, they united in holy matrimony. This union was blessed with three children, Arthur Jr, Roslin and Aundra. Together they built a caring and nurturing Christian home, He was a humble servant of God, an extraordinary man whose life was characterized by kindness, love and devotion to his family, faith and work. He was a man who never encountered strangers. He loved history and often shared his knowledge. He is predeceased by his wife, Everlean Ross Burns; his parents, Gladys Wilson Burns-Brocks and Ollie Burns; his stepfather Cleveland E Brocks, Sr;; three sisters, Gladys M Jordan, Thelma Johnson and Cleretta Spann; his matriarch, Grandmother Lubertha R W B McCullough and his loving in-laws, John and Pinkie Ross.
His love, memory and inspiration will forever be engraved in the hearts of his children, Arthur (Paulette)Burns, Roslin Burns and Aundra Burns; his loving grandchildren Blair Burns, Brandi Burns and Emmanuel Burns; a special caring and loving sister-n-law, Georgia Bates; three brothers, Rev, Cleveland E. (Vosie) Brocks, Ir. Morris C Brocks Sr. and Minister Julius E (Carol) Brocks; half sister, Dorothy (Sherman) Matthews; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
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