Jerry Burns

Jerry Michael Burns was born in Dyess, AR to Luther Elbridge Burns and Jewel Inez Cheatham Burns on September 29, 1935. Jerry was raised by his mother, Jewel Dunigan and stepfather, Elbert L. Dunigan, in Springhill, LA along with his "Sis" Mary Elizbeth Dunigan McFadden and his brother Elbert L. Dunigan, Jr. and graduated from Springhill High School in 1953. After graduation, Jerry moved to Jackson, Mississippi and took a job working for School Pictures, Inc. which was owned by two of his uncles. It was there that Jerry discovered his passion for photography and laid the foundation for his lifelong career. In 1955, Jerry moved to the Metairie/New Orleans area to work for Darrell DeMoss Photographers. During this time, Jerry married Ann Doyle and served as an Auxiliary Deputy for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Department. In 1969, no longer married, Jerry came back home to Northwest Louisiana and began working for his uncle at Kurvis Burns Photography where he traveled throughout Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas taking school, prom, homecoming and Sr. pictures. If you are reading this article, he has probably taken your picture at some point during his career. Jerry was welcomed into all schools by faculty and staff for his professionalism, efficiency, witty and comical personality and sweet smile. In 1979, he married Chyrel Forrest and her two children, taking Jerry from a bachelor to a family man overnight. This marriage did not last forever, but the love that he has for his stepchildren still lasts to this day. Finally, after 60 years of doing what he loved, Jerry Burns retired on May 22, 2015 from professional photography having been blessed with the opportunity to touch so many lives through the lens of a camera. Jerry lived for over fifty years in Elm Grove on Lake Bistineau in Bossier Parish. He enjoyed the beauty of ten acres of large moss-covered oaks directly on the water where he could fish and escape the hustle of daily life. Having grown up in rural Webster Parish, Jerry naturally enjoyed hunting and being outdoors and was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. Jerry served his country from 1954 until 1957 as a member of the Army National Guard of the United States and The Army National Guard of Mississippi. He lived the rest of his life as a patriot and supporter of the VFW and Paralyzed Veterans of America. Jerry left his beautiful Lake Bistineau home in 2017 and started a new adventure at The Oaks in Shreveport, LA where his uncle and aunt, Kurvis and Betty Burns live. He met many new friends and, when he was not traveling to visit family, spent time lending a helping hand to neighbors or sitting on his porch by the lake visiting with anyone that stopped by to share a story. After eighty-four years and a blessedly brief illness, Jerry Michael Burns left this world to be with his Heavenly Father and Savior on April 21, 2020. Jerry Burns is preceded in death by his parents Elbert and Jewel Dunigan and L.E. and Betsy Burns; aunt, Joyce Whiddon Burns. Those left to cherish his memory include his sister, Mary Dunigan McFadden and husband Robert; brother, Elbert L. Dunigan Jr.; uncle and aunt, Kurvis and Betty Burns; nephew, Paul McFadden and wife Camille; nieces, Julie McConathy and husband Brent, Elizabeth Adams and husband Ed, Melisa Patterson and husband Greg, and Tammy Dunigan; stepson, Mark Forrest and wife Gina; stepdaughter, Wendy Jimenez; great nieces, Brittany McNeely and husband Chance, Mallory McConathy, Faith McFadden, Lauren McFadden and Emmerson Adams; great nephew Owen Adams; grandchildren, Emily Singleton and husband Cameron, Bailee Garrett, Madison, Caroline, Seth, Luke and Olivia Forrest; great grandson Shelby and great, great nephew Reid. Jerry Burns was laid to rest at Shiloh Methodist Church Cemetery on Saturday, April 25, 2020 during a private graveside service with Pastor Mark Forrest officiating. Pallbearers include Carl Burns, Paul McFadden, Brent McConathy, Ed Adams, and Chance McNeely. Honorary Pallbearers include Robert McFadden, Seth Forrest, Luke Forrest and Vance Burns. To know our sweet and comical Jerry was to love him and he will be missed every day that we remain on this earth. However, we find peace and comfort in the knowledge that he is happy and healthy in heaven knowing that when our time comes to leave this world, he will be there waiting to welcome us home.