Dorothy 'Dot' Burns

Dorothy 'Dot' Burns, 73, of Herrin, departed this life Friday, November 26, 2010 at her residence surrounded by her husband, family and friends.

Dorothy was born February 11, 1937 in Christopher, IL, the daughter of Floyd and Alma (Odum) Watts. Her mother died when Dot was 5 years old. 5 years later, her father married Wanda Moore, who then became a wonderful step-mother.

Dot was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Christopher, where she married her husband, Bill Burns of Valier in 1955.

After Bill's, 2 year enlistment in the Army, the couple settled in Herrin and joined the First Baptist Church.  Dot and Bill were active in the church, teaching Bible School, Choir and helping serving dinners to bereaved church family members.  She also volunteered with the Herrin Community Food Pantry for those in need and was the Secretary for 2 ½ years.

Dot had a Christian Day-Care in her home for 38 years, she enjoyed many visits of parents and children during those years.

Dot enjoyed fishing and traveling with her husband, Bill.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Bill Burns of Herrin; son, David Burns of Jonesboro; two sisters and brother-in-law, Betty Streckfuss and her husband, Joe of Houston, TX, Beverly Patterson of Edmond, OK and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, mother, step-mother.

Services will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 29, 2010 at Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home in Herrin with Pastor Mark Hutson and Pastor Don Grammer officiating.  Interment will be in Herrin City Cemetery in Herrin.  Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, November 28, 2010 at the funeral home.  For those who wish, Memorial donations may be made to the ALS Association, St. Louis Regional Chapter, 2258 Weldon Parkway, St. Louis, MO  63146-3206 or will be accepted at Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home, P. O. Box 2071, Herrin, IL  62948.