J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Burns, Joseph L.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Joseph L. Burns, III, 87, of Petersburg, passed away Tuesday, August 28, 2007. Born in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of the late Joseph L., II and Elizabeth Cloman Burns. He served in the U. S. Army during WWII and was a retired employee of the Federal Prison System. Mr. Burns was the devoted husband of the late Rita Ann Burns. He was also preceded in death by a son, Jameson Burns and two brothers, Vernon Riggins and George Groth. He was a loving father to his four children, Jo Beth Hartz and husband, Frank of Severna Park, MD, Joseph L. Burns, IV and wife, Marcia of Petersburg, Janeen Massenburg and husband, Robert of Virginia Beach and Jaye Marie Wright and husband, Lawrence of Petersburg. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Terri Lynn Burns, Sarah Hebrank, Joshua A. Wright and wife, Tracey, Joy N. Burns, Joseph L. Burns, V and wife, Amy, Jordan A. Wright, Amy E. Hebrank, and Jenny M. Wright; great-grandchildren, Katilyn J. Burns and Jamie M. Wright; sisters, Evaline Craig, Dolores Uzarowski and husband, Stanley, and Hope Marston; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Jay Goldberg for being a special friend and caretaker. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday, August 30, at the Petersburg Chapel of J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM Friday in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Southlawn Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to Operation Smile, 6435 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, VA 23509. a favorite charity of Mr. Burns. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.

Jo Beth, Joseph [Jodie], Janeen, and Jaye:
My and Susans's deepest sympathies on the passing of your father. Thought the years have slipped away from us, I still remember the 'times' we shared during our younger days and your dad's warnings as we'd head out for another evening's adventure. Remember the good times; we're keeping each of you in our prayers.

Stan

Posted by: Stanley Mach at August 31, 2007 05:05 PM

I am so sorry for your loss. I met Joe and Rita once when they welcomed me into their home for the night and in that brief time I knew how special they both were. The love will always be there. Love and support each other.You are all in my thoughts.

Posted by: Belle Wiggins at August 30, 2007 12:15 PM

Big Joe was always bigger than life. Now he has
gone home to our heavenly Father. It's time to
pray for his family to have strength and to remember
all the fun times they had with their dad. Now is also the time to celebrate his life. May God bless
each and everyone in Big Joe's family.

Posted by: Rose West at August 29, 2007 07:32 PM

I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS MY SORROW TO THE FAMILY OF MR. JOE BURNS HE WAS SO WONDERFUL TO EVERYONE MY PRAYERS GO OUT FOR JAYE,JANEEN, JODY AND JO BETH AND THERE FAMILYS . JOE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED

Posted by: DIXIE DISHER AND FAMILY at August 29, 2007 09:22 AM

I was sad to hear of "Big Joe's" passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Even at this time in my life Baltimore and vegetable gardens always bring memories of Big Joe! Try to keep the good memories close to your heart.

Debbie Hartnett Byrne

Posted by: Debbie Byrne at August 29, 2007 08:56 AM

I would like to express my sorrow to the family of Mr. Burns. I worked with Mr. Burns for several years at the FCI. He was a man of honor and loved his family very much. Words cannot describe how much all of us appreciated him. I hope the family stay strong for him as I know he is aware of your strength. The lord his sent for him to be on the other side. Be proud and continue to love him and his memories.

Posted by: James Moore at August 29, 2007 07:22 AM