In Loving Memory of

Pamela Burns

1958 - 2022

On Wednesday morning, October 14, 2022, Pamela Sue Burns passed away unexpectedly at her home in Garland, Texas. She was a beloved mother, superb homemaker, and faithful wife; survived her husband of 40 years, Charles G. Burns, Jr. and their two children, Charles Adam and Anna Grace Burns.

​Pamela was born January 17, 1958 in Des Moines, Iowa to the late Harlan Jacob and Dr. Eudora Ann Donelson. Her Midwest upbringing endowed her with a deep appreciation for education, hard work, and faith in God. Her family was always her first priority and she treasured and nurtured her relationships with them.

​Pamela received her undergraduate degree; and Masters of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Dallas in 1983 and 2003, respectively. Professionally, she worked various jobs related to health insurance benefits for both private companies and insurance carriers.

Beyond her career, Pamela enjoyed spending time with loved ones and celebrating holidays. She was an avid photographer and enjoyed water color and penciled drawings all which beautifully adorn their home of 36 years. She was active in the local chapter of People to People International and the P.E.O. philanthropic sisterhood.

Although she did not talk about it often, those that know her will say her greatest accomplishments was where she 'led the charge' into the intricate and uncertain waters of the Romanian adoption process. Against the backdrop of the Gulf War, she spent two months overseas, ultimately returning with our two children and, five other children belonging to three other couples. Keeping promises she made to others overseas, she spearheaded an effort that secured U.S. college educations for two young women.

Pamela was known for always having a smile on her face and being the first to offer words of encouragement to her children and friends. Above all, she loved her savior, Jesus Christ.

She will be greatly missed.

Besides her husband and two children, she is survived by her sister, Kathryn Collins of Murphy, North Carolina, her brother, David Donelson of Dallas, Texas, and three grandchildren Nicholas Fitzgerald of Garland, Tx, Addie Jayne Greenhaw of Oklahoma, and Olivia Good of Garland, Texas.

Visitation for Pamela will be held Friday, October 21, 2022 from 6-8 PM at Williams Funeral Directors. Services will be held Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 10:30 AM at Williams Memorial Chapel.