Katherine Burns

Katherine Burns, 72, passed away on January 9, 2021 at home in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born on August 26, 1948 in Isola, MS to John Ed Smith Sr. and Canary Smith. She grew up in Kansas City, MO.

She graduated from Central High School in Kansas City, MO in 1966. After high school she attended CMSU in Warrensburg, MO where she became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority INC. She received a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1970. She also attended Lesley College in Kansas City, MO where she received her master’s degree in physical education in 1999. She worked for the KCMSD as a physical education teacher until she retired in 2011. Katherine was a teacher who made sure her students had a positive outlet in the form of heading the Marching Eagles drill team at Garfield Elementary or tutoring students. She loved attending Christian Fellowship Baptist Church and was heavily involved in her church. She also enjoyed reading, puzzles, writing poetry, playing sports, and supporting her children and grandchildren in everything they did.

She married Willard Burns on April 26th, 1980 in Kansas City, Mo. They were happily married for 40 years. S

he was preceded in death by her father John Ed Smith Sr., brothers  and 1 sister.

She is survived by her mother, Canary Smith. Her husband Willard Burns. Brother John Ed Smith Jr. (Lillian Smith) Her children, Ambrea Johnson (Sammie Johnson) and DiYhana Jordan (Nicholas Jordan). Bonus children Kimberly Foster, Adriane Burns- Cook, Leon Burns Sr. and Willard Foster. As well as a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.