Elder Edward Burns

BURNS, Eld. Edward - Age 86, passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at his residence. Family hour 10:00 AM Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at Greater Holy Temple Church Of God In Christ, 6702 Dort Hwy., Flint, Michigan, with Celebration of Life Service commencing at 11:00 AM. Bishop Roger L. Jones, Host Pastor, Pastor Edward Burns Jr., officiating. Interment, Sunset Hills Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd.. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the Church 10:00 AM Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Elder Burns will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home and may be viewed Monday, August 11, 2025 from 12:00PM-6:00PM with family present from 4:00PM-6:00PM. ELDER EDWARD BURNS JANUARY 15, 1939 - AUGUST 5, 2025 Edward Burns was born on January 15, 1939, in Tchula, Mississippi, to the union of Wilmore Burns, Sr. and Marie Dennis-Burns. He began his education in Mississippi and later attended Centennial High School in Compton, California. Committed to growth and opportunity, Edward went on to earn his certification as a Boiler Engineer through the Chevrolet Corporation. In 1957, Edward relocated to Flint, Michigan, in search of greater opportunity and began a long, successful career with General Motors. While in Flint, Michigan, he met the love of his life, Olivia. The two were united in marriage and remained faithfully devoted to one another for 66 years. Their union was blessed with five children: Edward, Erwin, Darin, Terence, and Aundrea. Edward was a man of deep faith, purpose, and energy. He believed in the value of hard work and staying active. He tended to his garden with care, loved fishing with church brethren, participated in daily walks and fitness classes, and expanded his vocabulary every chance he got-every time he heard a new word, he would find an opportunity to use it. He loved doing crossword puzzles from the Flint Journal newspaper and reading Readers Digest and National Geographic magazine. He loved all kinds of food and would try anything once. He had a fondness for peanuts, pecans, and walnuts. His walk with Christ began at Hamilton Avenue Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in Flint, Michigan, where he served faithfully as a Deacon, Minister, and later an Ordained Elder. His service continued at Greater Holy Temple COGIC and Pentecostal Tabernacle COGIC, where he was known for stepping in wherever help was needed, always offering his time, talent, resources, and treasure. He especially Loved Teaching Sunday School. Elder Burns had a powerful outreach ministry, especially through his work in the prison and hospital ministries. As a Chaplain, he introduced many young people to this life-changing work, showing them what it meant to serve with compassion and conviction. His life and message left a lasting impression on all who encountered him. Those who knew him will remember some of his signature expressions: "Did Jesus do that?" "It's holiness or hell." "It's going to be hotter than this in that lake." He closed every sermon with the words: "I came to Jesus as I was, weary, worn, and sad. I found in Him a resting place, and He has made me glad." Edward had a love for travel, particularly through the COGIC Missions Department. His journeys took him to South Korea, Rome, Thailand, Greece, Israel, Singapore, and Switzerland. He faithfully attended COGIC United National Auxiliary Conventions (UNAC) with his children and later Auxiliaries in Ministry (AIM) Conventions with his grandchildren. Until facing health challenges, he never missed a COGIC National Convocation or General Assembly. He especially enjoyed traveling with his daughter, Aundrea. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, five sisters, and one grandson, Ryan Edward Burns. He leaves behind a legacy of love and faith, survived by: his wife, Olivia; one (1) Sister, Susan Bowman (John); four (4) sons Edward (Doris), Erwin (Rebecca), Darin (Annie), Terence (Misty); and one (1) daughter Aundrea; as well as grandchildren, Jason, Cameron (Shannon), John, Erwin (Megan), Kelly (Kyle), Kristen (Fabrice), Koren, Destany, Terence (Amanda), Jacoby, Olivia, Brittany, Edgar (Tierra), James (Serinity), Brianna. Special Granddaughters Erika and Morgan. Great Grand Children, Jai, Jadyn, Arseneo, Shauntiere, Svaja, Camri, Emeri, Edgar, Merci, Macoy, Mikel, Milo, Brooklyn, Brielle, Brandon, Richard, Jeremiah, Matthew, and Taylor. Special daughters Carmelia, Vickie, and Maria. Bonus sons Tim and Dwayne, and bonus daughter Letrice. Special Brother and Sister, James and Ozzie Rideout. Edward Burns will be remembered for his unwavering faith, humble service, and deep love for his family and church community. His life was a testimony to a servant's heart. If his life were summed up in a song, it would be: "May the Works I've Done Speak for Me.” And in Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day."

Elder Edward Burns

January 15, 1939 - August 5, 2025