Mother Wanda J. "Cook" "Daisy" Burns

BURNS, Mother Wanda J. - Age 89, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2025, at her residence. Family hour 10:30 AM Saturday, July 12, 2025, at, Harris Memorial C.O.G.I.C., 4317 Lippincott Blvd., Burton, MI, with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM Pastor Eric C. Bogan, officiating. Interment Flint Memorial Park Cemetery G-9506 N. Dort Hwy. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:30 AM Saturday. Mother Burns will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home,906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed Friday, July 11, 2025, from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM, with family present from 3:00 PM-6:00 PM to receive friends. Mother Wanda Jean Burns was born March 12, 1936, in Monroe County in the City of Natchez, Alabama to Elijah Chandler and Leanna Moore. She was the youngest daughter out of 21 children and the last surviving among them. Mother Wanda Burns moved to Flint Michigan at an early age after the demise of her mother. Mother Wanda Burns received her early education at Whittier Middle School and later attended Central High School. She went on to marry Arthur Burns, and their union was blessed with six children. A devoted mother and woman of faith, Mother Burns made sure her children were deeply rooted in the church and actively involved in its ministries. Several of them carried forward the legacy by serving in the Music Ministry—lifting their voices in the choir and playing instruments in service to the Lord. Mother Wanda Burns began her career as an assembler at AC Spark Plug. Later in life, she dedicated her time to the Foster Grandparents Program, where she lovingly supported countless children within Flint Community Schools. She also served as a home care assistant to numerous members of the congregation, including the late Superintendent Theodore Harris and Mother Erma Harris, whom she cared for personally until their passings. Known for her generosity, Mother Burns frequently helped provide meals to those in need. Mother Wanda Burns became a devoted member of Elm Street COGIC in the 1950s, joining under the leadership of Pastor Theodore R. Harris and First Lady Erma Harris. A beloved presence in the congregation, she was frequently called upon to lead songs and lend her voice to the choir. Over time, she became involved with the Busy Daughters and the Home & Foreign Missions Department. As a dedicated Prayer Warrior, she regularly participated in early morning prayer calls at 5AM and 6AM. Under the guidance of Bishop Walter Bogan and Supervisor Dianne Bogan, Mother Burns faithfully served on the Usher Board and the Prayer & Bible Band. Her ministry extended beyond the sanctuary as she served in the clothing pantry and was well-known for sharing her cherished cakes and signature dressing. Her unwavering commitment to ministry continued under the current leadership of Superintendent Eric C. Bogan and First Lady Karleen Bogan, where she remained an active and faithful member. Mother Wanda Burns leaves to cherish her memories: 4 children, Shirley (Michael) Roche, Stephan Burns, Carolyn (Pastor Louis) Knox and Keith Burns, all of Flint MI; grandchildren, Kenya Bedenfield, Louis Knox Jr, Kenya Lewis, Isaiah Burns, Matthew Knox Sr, Stephan Burns Jr, Ashley Richardson, Quintisha Baskin, Krystal Burns, Arthur Burns II and Demetria Burns; 30 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews and other relatives, including special friends: Mother Mazey Moore, Mother Onnie Evans, Sister Jean Anderson, Sister Faye Whitmore, Sister Geneva Larrison and Sister Rosemary Bush. Mother Wanda Burns was preceded in death by her parents, Elijah and Leanna Chandler; all 20 of her siblings; former husband, Arthur Burns; 2 sons, Arthur Burns and Kenneth Burns.

Mother Wanda J. "Cook" "Daisy" Burns

March 12, 1936 - June 28, 2025