Essie May Halsey Burns awakened to eternal life Saturday, September 20, 2014. Born July 12, 1931, in Troutdale, Virginia, she and her family moved to Pennsylvania in an old, rented truck when she was eight. With her dad, brothers, and two cousins riding in the back of the truck, the family, along with the hired driver, made their way mile after mile until they reached the farm in Little Cooley on which she grew up with four brothers and two sisters. When she was 18, she met Paul Bertram Burns. The two fell in love and were married one year later, June 16, 1951. They eventually settled in rural Cussewago Township, where they raised seven children, lots of chickens, and more tomato plants than their kids could ever hope to keep weeded.
Essie loved laughing, reading, making quilts, gardening, watching birds, caring for flowers, and making dirt cake for her grandchildren. More than anything, though, she loved her Lord, and she loved spending time with her family. A quiet, humble woman, she lived the words of Jesus, ????o to others as you would have them do to you.???? As part of the Cornerstone Baptist Church family in Crossingville, Essie thoroughly enjoyed the times of worship and learning at her church, and her church family?????s support during her illness brought her great joy.
She will be greatly missed by her children; her surviving brother and sister, with whom she loved reminiscing; other relatives; her church family; and all who have crossed her path. Forever and always, she will reside in that place where the glory of God is the light and there will never again be pain, sadness, or tears.
Essie was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Bertram Burns; her parents, Ellis Paul Halsey and Mary Elvira Anderson Halsey; her siblings, Rodney Halsey, Rex Halsey, Dailey Halsey, and Pauline Post; sister-in-law Leone Halsey; and brothers-in-law Glenn Canfield and Donald Post. She is survived by her seven children: David Burns, Donald Burns and wife Kathy, Daniel Burns and wife Rhonda, John Burns and wife Jenny, Jean Burns, Steve Burns, and Robert Burns; as well as Lois Canfield, her sister, and Richard Halsey, her brother; and by sisters-in-law Wyona Halsey, Marjorie Halsey, and Theresa Halsey. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren: Tiffany VanDyke and husband Jeremy, Joshua and wife Cassandra, Caleb and wife Alex, Justin, Zach, Shana, Leana, Melanie, Maria, Jonathon and wife Lauren, Michael, and Bethany; one great-grandchild, Joshua (J.J.); many nieces and nephews; and special family friend, Tami Hritzay.
Many thanks to all who helped care for her and for all who brought smiles to her face in her final months at home.
Visiting hours with the family will be at Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro, on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held there Saturday at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Ron Sheldon officiating. Burial will follow at Saegertown Cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be given to Cornerstone Baptist Church, c/o Tom Morgan, 19690 State Highway 98, Conneautville, PA 16406.
We, the children of Essie Burns, would like to thank each one of you for taking a moment to honor our mother and for all of your kind comments about her, whether here, on facebook, at Mom’s home, or at the funeral home. It is immensely appreciated. We would also like to thank the Van Matre’s for all the work they did in providing the atmosphere needed to make the day of mom’s funeral a wonderful and meaningful experience. It was moving to see friend’s and family we had not seen for some time all coming to celebrate Mom’s life. Seeing and talking to each of you made this time easier.
Dear Burns Family,
Essie was such a special woman. I got to know her at Carmel Baptist Church. Through the years she lent me books from her library and we enjoyed discussing them. She was the official card writer for church, and was so encouraging with her notes and Bible verses. I was also blessed that she was my Secret Sister. She found out different things that I liked and would surprise me with them. One year for Christmas, she gave me four different ornaments (representing my family) and I still put them on my tree. It makes me smile just to think of them. I know you all will miss her and I will too, but think how glorious Heaven is! ‘Til we meet again.
Love,
Beth, Jerry, Ashley, and Sam White
Proverbs 3:5&6
Dan & Rhonda,
Just want to express our sympathy. We love you!
Addie & Pam Crandle
I only met your loved one Essie at Christ Community Church where we have the privillage to praise God with the Dan & Ronda Burns family. She reminded me of my Mother. What a sweet Woman & knowing Dan a great exam;le in his life. Now their family follows her foot steps. Our Deepest Sympathy to her family & friends.
Norm & Sally Cook
My first remembrances of Aunt Essie was while attending the Little Cooley EUB Evangelical United Brethern Church, and the Halsey’s neighbor (living across the road) Mrs. Lillian Lobdell, was the Sunday School Teacher, and as a teenager, we were in the same class for a short while. Uncle Paul Burns visited us on several occasions back about 1950, and our family took him to the Little Cooley EUB Church and Sunday School. I believe my Brother Paul, Sister Marilyn and I were instrumental in being match-makers, and that was when Aunt Essie and Uncle Paul Burns started dating each other.
One of the 1st. Bible Verses we had to memorize back then was: Psalm 19:14 – KJV – Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight. O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Well, Aunt Essie May (Halsey) Burns sure did live her life in accordance with this bible verse. Our prayers are offered and blessings in the Name of Jesus to the family and friends of Essie Burns.
Very nice tribute to a great lady.
Our prays and thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. But as others have said she is without pain and sorrow and is in the arms of her saviour now. God Bless
We will miss you and cherish the wonderful memories of Aunt Essie. Heaven has received a beautiful angel. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. We love you.
We will miss you but glad you are no longer suffering. Love you! You were an amazing lady and I will never forget that smile!
I am praying for you all. Looking forward to the great reunion in Heaven someday!!
Dan and family, you are in our prayers as you grieve the passing of your mother, we trust God will allow the memories flow through you at this time. God Bless
Love you Aunt Essie!! We will miss you.