Laura Burns

Laura Mae Roach Burns, who was born in Whitfield County on July 3, 1914, made her transition on February 23, 2011. Laura was the seventh of ten children born to the late Parizade Griffin Roach and Hillie Roach. Laura’s sisters and brothers who have also made their transition include Flossie Orr, Estelle Helton, Burns Roach, Olera Wade, Irvine Roach, and H.G. Roach, Jr. After graduation from Valley Point High School, Laura began to work in various textile mills in Dalton. On April 8, 1944 she married William Cecil Burns, who made his transition on June 8, 1945. Soon thereafter, she began to work as a seamstress at Decorating Supply, Inc. where she continued her employment for decades until her retirement. Also during this time she began to work as an independent seamstress from her home where she displayed her creative talents through the design, execution, and installation of window treatments, furniture coverings, and other furnishings for the homes and businesses located not only in Whitfield County, but also in surrounding counties and states. Laura continued to display her talented skills until her late 80’s. Dan recalls that he was not sure that his mother knew how to cook as during his childhood, they would eat out or with relatives. Her rationale was due to her working during the daytime hours at Decorating Supply and then sewing into the wee hours at home, eating out took less from her precious time than food preparation and clean-up. However, when Laura started to cook, she did so with a passion and tried to fill an empty pit. She cooked all types of food and regularly delivered coolers of food to Dan to share at his home and with friends and co-workers. One of her specialties was cakes which were often requested and sought as an item for purchase from her. Laura also developed a very large green thumb which not only resulted in thriving plants, but also in being able to rescue and nourish plants sometimes that one might think were ready to be tossed away. She is survived by her only child, Dr. Dan L. Burns and his spouse, Rev. Tony Crapolicchio of Avondale Estates, Georgia. She is also survived by her sisters; Mrs. Louie Thomason, Mrs. Ivan Strain, and Ms Vinnie Roach, with whom she shared her home and the raising of her son for over 65 years. Her sisters all continue to live in Dalton. She is also survived by eight nieces and nephews. Laura’s ashes have been interned next to her late husband in West Hill Cemetery. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 5th, at 1:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Love Funeral Home. Family members will be greeting guests at 12:30 P.M. Rev. Robert Thomason and Rev. Tony Crapolicchio will conduct the service. In lieu of flowers and other tokens of recognition to memorialize Laura, please make donations to one of the following: Trinity Center for Spiritual Living, P.O. Box 2591, Decatur, GA 30031 or Ross Woods Adult Day Services, 1402 Walston Avenue, Dalton, GA 30720.
Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.lovefuneralhomega.com.
Love Funeral home, 1402 N. Thornton Ave., Dalton (Across from Hamilton Medical Center) is in charge of arrangements.