Gladys Burney
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Gladys Jewel Burney of Ironton died on May 28 at her residence at the age of 93.
She was born July 17, 1916, near Redford, the middle of seven children of Jesse and Ella (Cozine) Phillips.
On July 23, 1937, she was united in marriage to John Harrison Burney, who survives.
The couple met as fellow employees of The Home for Aged Baptists in 1936. Earlier that year, he had been hired as bookkeeper. Their lives would be involved in the ministry until they both retired in 1974.
The couple had three children, Ruth Ann Burney, who preceded her mother in death, Jeanette (George) Ashley of St. James and John T. (Susie) Burney of St. Louis.
Also surviving are four grandchildren, John, Cristen, Jason and James; five great grandchildren; and her sister, Joy Phillips of Ironton.
Mrs. Burney was preceded in death by three brothers, Ray Phillips, Roy Phillips and Lloyd Phillips, and two sisters, Bonney Duff and Golda Harvey.
She had been a member of First Baptist Church of Ironton since 1936. For 35 years she chaired the flower arrangement committee and the kitchen committee. She also taught Sunday School and made the preparations for observances of the Lord’s Supper.
Mrs. Burney attended Flat River Junior College, earned a teaching certificate and was teaching school when her husband was named superintendent of The Home in 1953. She left her teaching career to join him in guiding The Home’s ministry, working as the director of food services and housekeeping.
Mrs. Burney led in the formation of the first Woman’s Missionary Society at The Home on Sept. 29, 1954.
The Story of The Baptist Home, a history by Ira Ann Hawkins, recounts that the Burneys established the first beauty shop in The Home at Ironton.
Funeral services were held on May 29 at First Baptist Church of Ironton with Keith Huffman officiating. Interment was in Arcadia Valley Memorial Park.
The family requests memorials to First Baptist Church, Ironton; The Baptist Home; or Safe Harbor Hospice.
