Leatrice Curtis Burns

Leatrice Curtis Burns, born on November 12, 1932, to Jean and Bobbie Willis in Atwood, Tennessee. She spent her formative years in Atwood, where she graduated from high school in 1948. Leatrice moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1949 and began a series of earnest endeavors throughout her life. From the 1950s, she engaged in various day work before securing a position at Firestone, where she dedicated herself from 1974 until 1994. Her career continued at Des Moines Hospital for approximately five years, and she concluded her professional journey at Walmart, where she worked from 2000 until her retirement in 2018.

 Leatrice remained a steadfast member of the Union Missionary Baptist Church, under the guidance of Rev. Dr. Henry Isaiah Thomas. Her commitment to her faith was evident in her active participation in church activities. She served on the Deaconess Board, transitioned to the Mother's Board, and was a consistent attendee of Sunday School. She devoted her time and talents to numerous committees, often taking on roles that involved preparing meals for various church events, including funeral services, Thanksgiving dinners for seniors and the disabled, and receptions for the Pastor's anniversary. Leatrice was also member of the Mass Choir, she was well-known for her spirited tambourine playing, and her infectious joy shone through as she would often blurt out in her favorite song "I shall not, I shall not be moved!" This playful spirit not only brought laughter to congregants but also illustrated her profound love for God, her Pastor, First Lady, and church family. Leatrice's generosity knew no bounds; she routinely shared flowers, vegetables from her garden, or thoughtful gifts with those she loved.

 Leatrice found joy in gardening, cooking, and tending to her yard, cultivating beauty in every aspect of her life. Her relentless spirit of giving and her dedication to her loved ones will resonate in the hearts of many.

 Leatrice is survived by her beloved grandchildren, Curtis Raymond Dantzler and George Thomas (Brooklyn) Dantzler; her great-grandchildren, Romeo and Ramani Dantzler; and her loving nieces and nephews, James Bell (Button), Robert Bell, Joseph Bell, Betty Berry, Dorothy Bell (Pokey), Bobby Bell (Brightfame); along with a host of cousins and friends who will remember her with love and admiration.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, Jean Curtis and Bobbie Lee Willis; her husband, Thomas Raymond Burns; her daughter, Ramona Dell Burns; and her siblings, Mammie Culp, Thelma Rogers, Otis Williams, and Betty Bell.

 Leatrice Curtis Burns leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service that will forever inspire those who had the honor of knowing her.

Memorial Services Saturday, 11:00 A.M. November 9, 2024 at Union Missionary Baptist Church