Dorothy (Clemons) Burns

Dorothy (Clemons) Burns, affectionately known as “Patty”, was born to the parentage of Billy and Portia Mae Clemons, in Dime Box, Texas, on March 26, 1938. She peacefully transitioned on June 28, 2024, in Garland, Texas. 

Dorothy graduated from Fairview High School in 1956 and decided to continue her education in Corpus Christi, Texas, at Del Mar College where she completed her training as a licensed vocational nurse in 1958. She was a former Los Angeles Unified School District, Special Education Division employee, where she retired in 1993. Her tenure there was one of passion and dedication which made her performance exemplary in many areas. Upon retiring, Dorothy decided to advance her nursing career, and she went on to receive an Associate of Science in Nursing degree from Los Angeles Southwest College in 1993. She continued her nursing career at Harbor UCLA Research Education Institution in 1994 and served for 15 years until she officially retired in 2008. Dorothy lived a fulfilled life, as she knew and lived out her sincere passion for nursing people back to good health.

On September 7, 1963, Dorothy married the love of her life George W. Burns, and moved to Los Angeles, California. Through their joining, they had two sons - Douglas and Darryl Burns. Upon moving to Los Angeles, California, Dorothy became a faithful member of Wadsworth Church of God where she served as a deaconess and youth director. She also served as a State Vice President of the Texas Youth Department. She was inducted into the Cambridge Who’s Who organization for honor and achievement worldwide. 

Those left to cherish lasting memories include her loving son, Darryl Burns of Garland, Texas; her goddaughter, Tiffany Spencer of Los Angeles, California; her siblings - Audrey Boddie of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Eddie and Gladys Clemons of Dime Box, Texas, Eva Cameron of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Don Lacy of Dime Box, Texas, and Shirley and Albert Clemons of Garland, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Douglas Burns; husband, George Burns; mother, Portia Mae Punchard; father, Billy Clemons; and sister, Lenell Clemons.

A strong, faithful woman of God who motivated, inspired, and encouraged others, Dorothy was truly a blessing to those whose lives were enhanced through her compassion and generosity for others. May her memory be a guiding light for all who had the honor of knowing her.

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