Celebrating the life of
Billie K. Burn
January 27, 1916 - January 06, 2008
Billie K. Burn, 91, died Sunday, January 6, 2008 in Savannah.
Mrs. Burn was born on January 27, 1916 in Monroe, TN, the daughter of the late James and Verta Smith. Mrs. Burn moved to Daufuskie Island in 1959 and resided there for over 50 years. Daufuskie Island was very close to her heart. She served as Postmaster of Daufuskie Island for many years until her retirement. She also served as Registrar and Historian. Mrs. Burn was the author of "Stirrin' the Pots on Daufuskie" and "An Island Named Daufuskie". During her life on Daufuskie there was a museum named in her honor.
Mrs. Burn was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Lance Burn. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, June and Bob Crumley of Ramrod, FL; sons and daughters-in-law, Lancy and Emily Burn of Daufuskie Island and Gene and Gail Burn of Port Wentworth; eight grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren.
Visitation: 6:00-8:00 PM Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
A charter boat will leave from the east end of River Street in Savannah and the Daufuskie Club on Squire Pope Road in Hilton Head for anyone who wishes to attend the funeral service on Daufuskie Island. Both boats will depart PROMPTLY at 9:45 AM Thursday, January 10, 2008.
For those who will not be using the charter boat, please meet at the First Union African Baptist Church on Daufuskie Island at 11:00 AM Thursday, January 10, 2008.
MY SINCERE SYMPATHY TO EACH OF YOU IN THE LOSS OF YOUR MOM. SHE WAS A TRUE LEGEND, A WONDERFUL PERSON WHO GAVE SO MUCH. SHE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED FOR HER LOVE OF DAUFUSKIE ISLAND AND THE PEOPLE OF DAUFUSKIE. I FEEL SO HONORED AND PRIVLEDGED TO HAVE KNOWN BILLIE AND I ALWAYS ENJOYED OUR CONVERSATIONS AND VISITS WITH HER WHEN I LIVED ON DAUFUSKIE! I COULD GO ON........THERE IS SO MUCH TO SAY ABOUT BILLIE. UNFORTUNATELY, I HAVE JUST LEARNED TODAY, JAN. 25th, ABOUT HER PASSING. GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU AS YOU HEAL FROM YOUR SADDNESS. 'TOOTIE' BLACK MARY TORTORICI
- , PAWLEYS ISLAND, SC
Dear June, Bob, and Gene, Your letter arrived this morning, June, with the news about Bille. Only last night I had been thinking of her, and wondering why I had not received her faithfully sent Christmas card this year. Your letter explained it all. Billie Burn was one of the most remarkable people I have ever met: honest, intelligent, intellectually curious, kind, courageous. She would attempt anything she believed in. We shared a love of the history of Daufuskie Island that for me became the topic of an MA thesis USC, 1984. But it was Billie who wrote and published the full account, ‘An Island Called Daufuskie’. I once told her she was the smartest person I knew, and meant it. I do not know anyone else who did so much for the people and recognition of that small island as Billie Burn. Through her I met people and heard stories that will stay with me all my life. It was a privilege to have known Billie Burn and to call her my friend. She will be alive in my mind and heart for as long as I am. Rebecca Starr Eastington, England January 15, 2008
- Rebecca Starr, Eastington,
To all the Burn family we want to be among the many who extend their condolences. Although having only met Billie briefly we feel her presence here on Daufuskie with all her many accomplishments and the love that she so generously gave to others. We have been fortunate in getting to know Lancy and Emily and treasure them as friends and wish for them, especially, to know that we are thinking of them during this time of their loss.
- Carolyn, Bob, Lance, and Lyssa Orchid and family, Daufuskie Island, SC
To Mr.and Mrs. Crumley and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your mother passing away. She lived an extratraordinary life and leaves so many memories and history behind. I'm so glad that I met her. She was a wonderful sweet lady.I took care of her on a couple of occasions when I worked at Candler Hospital. She was always so pleasant. I even bought one of her books and she mailed it to me, Stirrin the pots on Daufuskie. Mrs. June, I have never forgotten you for bringing me back the crystal starfish medallion. I get compliments all the time. I'm sorry I could'nt go to the funeral due to work but my prayers are with you and the family. Candice Cook R.N. P.o. box 1643 Statesboro,Ga. 30459
- Candice Cook R.N., Statesboro, GA
You will always remember you for you kindess to our children at Daufuskie Island School. Thank you, The Heffner Family
- Maryrose, Tom, Sean and Dillon Heffner, Daufuskie Island, SC
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Burn's passing. She constantly dispayed such a positive attitude and it was always a pleasure to see her smiling face at John -Wesley.She was truly an inspiration to all!! My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. Sincerely, Gina Koncul
- Gina Koncul, Savannah, GA
June, Lancy, Gene, and All The Family, The miles between us and work obligations keep us from being there for your Mother's services but we will be with you in spirit. May your grief be tempered by the knowledge that Aunt Billie will be remembered by all who ever met her. She had the most admirable ability to show her keen interest and complete focus to everyone she ever spoke with. Her unique personality, extraordinary talents and wonderful appreciation of the world around her is a great inspiration to family, friends and readers.
- Francis and Dianne Burn, Hayes, VA
My prayers are with the family and friends. She lived a long and happy life, I know she will be missed.
- Linda Padgett, Bloomingdale, GA
Sorry to hear about Billie. You are all in our prayery. The Quinby Family Roy and Vivvian Huthmacker; Lillian Quinby: Caherine Pinckney; John Quinby; Edna Morgan; Sylvia Hendrix
- Quinby Family, Charleston, SC
She was a person who was very easy to know. One who was a great host. She will be missed by us and many others.
- Mr & Mrs Irving Chamberlain, Albany,, GA
Dear June and Bob, Emily and Lancy, and Gene and Gail, We were sorry to hear of Aunt Billie's passing. She was dear to our hearts and we know she loved all her family. Mother Beezie Ellis Bond cherishes their last visit together on Daufuskie. She will be missed by many. Our prayers are with you at this time of loss. Love, James and Nancy Bond Smith Beezie and Lee Bond
- Nancy Smith, Inman, SC
We were very sad to hear of your mother's death.She was a wonderful and talented lady who will be greatly missed by all. We were blessed to have known her. Our prayers are with all of you.
- Michael and Lawonda Hill, Clarkesville, GA
Dear Bob,June and Gene, our condolences on your loss. Aunt Bill was a wonderful woman and even though we have not seen her in a long time,she was on my mind quite often.I constantly bring up the books and the stories your mom and dad told me ,as i was growing up, to my children.I hope all of you find some sort of peace through her passing.After all, her legacy will live on forever.Again, please accept our sincerity on your loss. yours truly, Greg,Cheri,Ben,Katie and Matt Smith Jerry's son
- greg smith, acworth, GA
Please accept my sincere condolences at your time of sorrow
- Barbara Campbell, Eden, GA
Bob & Emily - Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Billie. She was a wonderful friend of Daufuskie Island and loved by all who met her. Kindest regards, Jim Black
- Jim Black, Atlanta, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your mother was a remarkable woman and loved by all. Love Mabrey and Bill Cason
- Mabrey and Bill Cason, Sapphire, NC
We were blessed to have known Billie and we offer our condolences to her family. On a lovely day,she took us to the Mary Dunn Cemetery and we know exactly where her resting place will be. We hope that her family is comforted to know that she is with the God that she worshipped and loved so much.
- Bruce and Karla Sprague, Plantation, FL
MY SINCERE SYMPATHY TO EACH OF YOU IN THE LOSS OF YOUR MOM. SHE WAS A TRUE LEGEND, A WONDERFUL PERSON WHO GAVE SO MUCH. SHE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED FOR HER LOVE OF DAUFUSKIE ISLAND AND THE PEOPLE OF DAUFUSKIE. I FEEL SO HONORED AND PRIVLEDGED TO HAVE KNOWN BILLIE AND I ALWAYS ENJOYED OUR CONVERSATIONS AND VISITS WITH HER WHEN I LIVED ON DAUFUSKIE! I COULD GO ON........THERE IS SO MUCH TO SAY ABOUT BILLIE. UNFORTUNATELY, I HAVE JUST LEARNED TODAY, JAN. 25th, ABOUT HER PASSING. GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU AS YOU HEAL FROM YOUR SADDNESS. 'TOOTIE' BLACK MARY TORTORICI
- , PAWLEYS ISLAND, SC
Dear June, Bob, and Gene, Your letter arrived this morning, June, with the news about Bille. Only last night I had been thinking of her, and wondering why I had not received her faithfully sent Christmas card this year. Your letter explained it all. Billie Burn was one of the most remarkable people I have ever met: honest, intelligent, intellectually curious, kind, courageous. She would attempt anything she believed in. We shared a love of the history of Daufuskie Island that for me became the topic of an MA thesis USC, 1984. But it was Billie who wrote and published the full account, ‘An Island Called Daufuskie’. I once told her she was the smartest person I knew, and meant it. I do not know anyone else who did so much for the people and recognition of that small island as Billie Burn. Through her I met people and heard stories that will stay with me all my life. It was a privilege to have known Billie Burn and to call her my friend. She will be alive in my mind and heart for as long as I am. Rebecca Starr Eastington, England January 15, 2008
- Rebecca Starr, Eastington,
To all the Burn family we want to be among the many who extend their condolences. Although having only met Billie briefly we feel her presence here on Daufuskie with all her many accomplishments and the love that she so generously gave to others. We have been fortunate in getting to know Lancy and Emily and treasure them as friends and wish for them, especially, to know that we are thinking of them during this time of their loss.
- Carolyn, Bob, Lance, and Lyssa Orchid and family, Daufuskie Island, SC
To Mr.and Mrs. Crumley and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your mother passing away. She lived an extratraordinary life and leaves so many memories and history behind. I'm so glad that I met her. She was a wonderful sweet lady.I took care of her on a couple of occasions when I worked at Candler Hospital. She was always so pleasant. I even bought one of her books and she mailed it to me, Stirrin the pots on Daufuskie. Mrs. June, I have never forgotten you for bringing me back the crystal starfish medallion. I get compliments all the time. I'm sorry I could'nt go to the funeral due to work but my prayers are with you and the family. Candice Cook R.N. P.o. box 1643 Statesboro,Ga. 30459
- Candice Cook R.N., Statesboro, GA
You will always remember you for you kindess to our children at Daufuskie Island School. Thank you, The Heffner Family
- Maryrose, Tom, Sean and Dillon Heffner, Daufuskie Island, SC
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Burn's passing. She constantly dispayed such a positive attitude and it was always a pleasure to see her smiling face at John -Wesley.She was truly an inspiration to all!! My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. Sincerely, Gina Koncul
- Gina Koncul, Savannah, GA
June, Lancy, Gene, and All The Family, The miles between us and work obligations keep us from being there for your Mother's services but we will be with you in spirit. May your grief be tempered by the knowledge that Aunt Billie will be remembered by all who ever met her. She had the most admirable ability to show her keen interest and complete focus to everyone she ever spoke with. Her unique personality, extraordinary talents and wonderful appreciation of the world around her is a great inspiration to family, friends and readers.
- Francis and Dianne Burn, Hayes, VA
My prayers are with the family and friends. She lived a long and happy life, I know she will be missed.
- Linda Padgett, Bloomingdale, GA
Sorry to hear about Billie. You are all in our prayery. The Quinby Family Roy and Vivvian Huthmacker; Lillian Quinby: Caherine Pinckney; John Quinby; Edna Morgan; Sylvia Hendrix
- Quinby Family, Charleston, SC
She was a person who was very easy to know. One who was a great host. She will be missed by us and many others.
- Mr & Mrs Irving Chamberlain, Albany,, GA
Dear June and Bob, Emily and Lancy, and Gene and Gail, We were sorry to hear of Aunt Billie's passing. She was dear to our hearts and we know she loved all her family. Mother Beezie Ellis Bond cherishes their last visit together on Daufuskie. She will be missed by many. Our prayers are with you at this time of loss. Love, James and Nancy Bond Smith Beezie and Lee Bond
- Nancy Smith, Inman, SC
We were very sad to hear of your mother's death.She was a wonderful and talented lady who will be greatly missed by all. We were blessed to have known her. Our prayers are with all of you.
- Michael and Lawonda Hill, Clarkesville, GA
Dear Bob,June and Gene, our condolences on your loss. Aunt Bill was a wonderful woman and even though we have not seen her in a long time,she was on my mind quite often.I constantly bring up the books and the stories your mom and dad told me ,as i was growing up, to my children.I hope all of you find some sort of peace through her passing.After all, her legacy will live on forever.Again, please accept our sincerity on your loss. yours truly, Greg,Cheri,Ben,Katie and Matt Smith Jerry's son
- greg smith, acworth, GA
Please accept my sincere condolences at your time of sorrow
- Barbara Campbell, Eden, GA
Bob & Emily - Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Billie. She was a wonderful friend of Daufuskie Island and loved by all who met her. Kindest regards, Jim Black
- Jim Black, Atlanta, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your mother was a remarkable woman and loved by all. Love Mabrey and Bill Cason
- Mabrey and Bill Cason, Sapphire, NC
We were blessed to have known Billie and we offer our condolences to her family. On a lovely day,she took us to the Mary Dunn Cemetery and we know exactly where her resting place will be. We hope that her family is comforted to know that she is with the God that she worshipped and loved so much.
- Bruce and Karla Sprague, Plantation, FL
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200

