Mrs. Elizabeth D. Burns, age 84, of Palestine died Tuesday, May 22, 2002 at her home. Mrs. Burns was born June 14, 1917, in Mississippi, the daughter of Cyrus E. Dodson and Annie Thomas Dodson. She had made her home in Palestine for the past 54 years, was a housewife and a Baptist. Mrs. Burns also served on the St. Francis County Fair Board, was a member of the Home Demonstration Club, was active in the 4-H and arts and crafts. Mrs. Burns was in addition the first licensed airplane pilot in the county.
Mrs. Burns was married to Abe M. Burns in 1947 and he preceded her in death in 1990. She is survived by a son, Jerald N. Burns of Palestine and a brother Thomas Dodson of Forrest City; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A son, David K. Burns also preceded her in death in 1981.
Visitation for Mrs. Burns will be held Wednesday, May 22, 2002, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be held graveside at Bell Cemetery at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 23, 2002, with Rev. Steve Turner and Rev. David Stegall officiating. The family requests memorials be made to Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Stevens Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Mr. Willie Cumming, age 40, of Chicago, Ill., died Thursday, May 16, 2002, at West Suburlan Hospital in Chicago. Mr. Cumming was born Dec. 13, 1961, in Chicago and was the son of Walter Cumming and Delious Cumming of Forrest City. He is survived by his wife Paula Owens Cumming; a daughter, Jennifer Owens of Chicago, Ill.; two sons David Owens and Maurice Owens, both of Chicago; his mother of Forrest City; four brothers Eddie Wooden, Michael Wooden and Walter Cumming all of Chicago and Robert Wooden of Davenport, Iowa, and his grandmother Susie Wooden of Forrest City.
Visitation for Mr. Cummings will be held Thursday, May 23, 2002, from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Woodhouse Mortuary. Services will be held Friday, May 24, 2002, at 11 a.m. at Woodhouse Mortuary Chapel with Rev. S. W. Baker officiating. Burial will follow in Shady Grove Cemetery under the direction of Woodhouse Mortuary.