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 Burns, Essie May Halseywith 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.

Burns, Essie May HalseyEssie 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.