Jan Howell Burns

Jan Howell Burns, 78, of Valdosta, GA, passed away on Sunday, April 8, 2018 at Somerfield Health Center in Brentwood, TN. She was born in Piedmont, AL on November 4, 1939 to the late Kathryn Gilmore Howell and James Franklin Howell. Jan graduated as valedictorian from Piedmont High School in 1958 and received her bachelor’s degree in education from Auburn University. She married James David Burns on June 9, 1964. Jan received her Master’s in Education from Valdosta State College in 1982. She taught high school English in Brunswick, GA, Smiths Station, AL, and Columbus, GA, before moving to Valdosta. She began teaching at Valdosta High School in 1977 and taught for 22 years in the English department before retiring in June 1999. In 1984, Jan was recognized as the Valdosta High School Star teacher. A member of Park Avenue United Methodist Church and longtime member of the choir, she was most recently a member of Brentwood United Methodist Church in Brentwood, TN. Jan loved her faith and her family. An avid reader, she enjoyed participating in Bible studies, singing in the choir, traveling, and spoiling her grandchildren.

Jan is survived by her son, Alan Burns of Marietta, GA, her daughter and son-in law, Susan and Gary Dean of Nashville, TN, and her son and daughter-in-law Jonathan and Elizabeth Burns of Valdosta; her grandchildren, Caroline Moore Dean, Gary Tillman Dean, Jonathan Howell Burns, Jr., William Howell Dean, and Berkley Elizabeth Burns; her niece, Lisa Howell Jordan, and nephew, Dale Howell. She was preceded in death by her husband James David Burns, her parents, and her brother and sister in law, Wayne and Paula Howell. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of Somerfield Health Center for their love and care of Mrs. Burns.

The funeral services for Mrs. Burns will be held on Friday, April 13, 2018, at 3:30 p.m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Burial will be on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at noon (central time) at Memorial Park Cemetery, in Auburn, AL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Park Avenue United Methodist Church, 100 E. Park Avenue, Valdosta, GA 31602. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.