Evelyn Delores "Delo" Burns

Evelyn Delores Burns “Delo”, age 75, passed away on Saturday, August 6, after fighting a brave battle with cancer. Ms. Burns grew up in Hattiesburg, MS. She was a graduate of Hattiesburg High School, class of '59, and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1963. While in Hattiesburg she developed lifelong friendships that are strong to this day. She was proud to be a member of the Beta Sigma chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority. Throughout her life she was an active alum, always helping with rush by recommending many Coast girls to her beloved sorority. After graduation, she moved to the MS Gulf Coast, where she taught 5th grade for 36 years at Pass Road Elementary. She touched the lives of many students that continued to keep in touch with her throughout the years. She was also a member of St. Luke's Guild in Ocean Springs. She and Claire had lunch monthly with her retired teacher friends. Fridays were reserved for another close group of friends that met for lunch at Maison de Lu. A more loyal friend you will never find. Delo cherished each and every one from childhood until the very end. Ms. Burns is preceded in death by her parents, Dwight and Yvonne Burns; brother-in-law, Kent Hoyt McMahan and great nephew, Isaac Dwight McMahan. Survivors include her best friend, Claire Turner; sister, Barbara Burns McMahan; nieces and nephews: Melissa and Michael Smith and their children Hanlin Delores and Laine; Kimberly and Ben Howard and their children Kate, Harper and Ellie; Katie and Josh Wright and their children Marshall and Hunter; Matthew Dwight and Lindsay McMahan and their children Hawkins, Mimi and Miriam. Although not blood kin, she and Claire considered the Denton children and grandchildren theirs - good Lord they reared them. Jean and Jack Denton and their children Audrey and Azlyn; Courtney and Walt Denton and their children Turner Burns and Parkes; Dawn and Mike Persia and their children Quinn and Pearce; and Drew and Cory Shannon. Their other claimed grandson is Chase Sekul, that Delo referred to as her baby. Delo was also godmother to her beloved Ashley, Reagan and Debra. Pallbearers are Ben Howard, Mike Smith, Josh Wright, Jack Denton, Walt Denton, Mike Persia, Cory Shannon and Chase Sekul. Honorary pallbearers are Ryan Jurich, Houston Bass, Scotty Rosetti, Rock Sekul and George Sekul. In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Lord Is My Help, 1205 Desota Street, Ocean Springs, MS 39564. Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Biloxi, MS with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall on Monday, August 8, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in Hattiesburg at Highland Cemetery on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com