A CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Winston J. “Bootsie” Burns, Sr.
November 3, 1924 - December 22, 2016
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2016
Visitation: 7 a.m. | Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m.
ST. RAYMOND-ST. LEO CATHOLIC CHURCH
2916 Paris Avenue | New Orleans, LA
INTERMENT
St. Louis Cemetery No. 3
In Loving Memory of
Winston Joseph Burns, Sr.
“A Life of Service is a Life Well Lived”
W
inston Joseph Burns, Sr. was born November 3, 1924 in New
Orleans, Louisiana. He was the youngest son of the late George
Burns and Leona Galle Burns Gauff and the brother of Dr. Leonard L.
Burns. After the death of his father, his mother married Calvin Gauff
who provided a loving home for the family.
He received his early education at Valena C. Jones Elementary school
and graduated from Xavier University Preparatory School. After serving
his country as a U.S. Marine, he desired to advance his education and
graduated with a B.S. degree from Xavier University, the institution that
held a special place in his heart because it was there that he met the
love of his life, Gretta Roque. Their courtship blossomed into marriage,
thus forming the foundation of their beautiful life together. Their family
grew to include four sons, one daughter, thirteen grandchildren and
eight great-grandchildren. He was affectionately known as Bootsie to all,
and to his adoring grandkids and great-grandkids, as PoPo.
His older brother, Dr. Leonard Burns, was his role model and his inspiration to join the Marines at the early
age of seventeen, thus beginning what was to become a stellar career in service to his country. Winston served
with honor in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict. In 2012, he
received the Congressional Gold Medal, awarded by President Barack Obama, for his service as a Montford
Point Marine during WWII. It is the nation’s highest civilian award. As a testament to his military legacy, the
uniforms of both he and his brother, Dr. Leonard Burns, are on permanent exhibit at the National
WWII museum.
Winston began his professional career as a Health and Physical Education teacher in the
Orleans Parish School System, where he worked for 30 years. At Carter G. Woodson Middle
School and Booker T. Washington High School, he was head coach of the track and football
teams and won several championships. Burns was renowned as a mentor and father figure
for numerous young men. He demonstrated the power of one man to change lives.
Leading by example, he taught his students the value of an education and hard
work. He motivated them to succeed whether on or off the field in order to become
productive citizens. However, he willingly relinquished his coaching career to help
care for his family when his beloved Gretta suffered a serious illness. After retiring
from the school system, he began a new career in public service as a court crier in
Juvenile Court for the Parish of Orleans for 25 years. There, he continued to mentor
young adults and was celebrated for his decorum and wisdom in assisting youth in
navigating the juvenile court system. In 2009, he was the recipient of the Children’s
Defense Fund award for his contributions and commitment to the City’s youth.
Bootsie took great pride in the fact that he and Gretta, along with several of his
friends, built the family house which continues to this day as the center of family life.
There was always room for one more at the Burns’ home where love and laughter
embraced all who entered. It is a home where Bootsie and Gretta’s children,
grandchildren, great-grandchildren and close family friends shared wonderful
memories together. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his family
at home where they celebrated many traditions, especially at Christmas time.
To the delight of his family, he would prepare a baked redfish with special
sauce, continuing a tradition that his mother, Leona, began during his youth.
He was the family historian and photographer, capturing treasured
family memories.
Winston was devoted to his Christian faith and family. He and Gretta
attended Mass regularly and hosted recitation of the rosary every Tuesday
evening at their home with family and neighbors. His faith formed the
principles by which he lived and served his community. To his children, he
instilled the Christian values of love, integrity, honesty, fairness and respect
for others. He was very proud of all that they achieved but more importantly, of the content of their character.
His grandchildren were his pride and joy. They delighted in listening to their PoPo tell “tall tales” that got
taller with each passing year. He was blessed to spend happy times with his great grandchildren, who looked
forward to each visit with PoPo. His greatest gift to his family was his capacity to forge a special bond with
each member. Recognizing their uniqueness, he frequently penned personal messages that encouraged,
inspired and conveyed his concern for their wellbeing. Everyone
recognized that there was a radiance about him that embraced
each person’s humanity. His abiding love and faith and generosity
of spirit helped him to see the goodness in everyone.
Bootsie’s giving spirit extended to the community. He volunteered
his time and talents to numerous community and civic activities,
including the Liberty Bank and Trust Track Meet, St. Aug’s Bingo
Booster Club, Parents and Grandparents Clubs and was an active
member of Xavier Prep’s Alumni Association. He also enjoyed
being a member of the The Townsmen, Inc. and Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Inc.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Gretta Roque Burns; his daughter, Roxanne Burns Gueno
and his sons, Ronald V. Burns, Sr. (Sheila); Burton E. Burns (Constance); Brian M. Burns, Sr. (Stacie); and
Winston J. Burns, Jr. (Wendy). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ronald “Vinnie” Burns, Jr.; Jason
Burns, Sr. (Bridget); Amber Anderson (Sylvester); Christy Burns; Damon Burns; Erin Burns; Brittany Burns;
Brian M. Burns, Jr.; Dominique Burns; Brandon Gueno
(Sarah); Shannon Phillips (Don); Trenton Gueno;
Blair Burns, his nieces, Debra Burns and Lenette Burns
and eight great-grandchildren, Dashaydon Phillips,
Gabrielle Gueno, Kendal Anderson, Marcus Gueno,
Jordyn Burns, Jason Burns, Jr., Darien Phillips and
Braylon Anderson.
He is preceded in death by his father, George Burton
Burns, his mother, Leona Galle Burns Gauff, his stepfather, Calvin Gauff, his nephew Gary Burns and his
brother, Dr. Leonard L. Burns.
He will never be forgotten by those whose hearts
he touched.
Our Father Kept a Garden
Our Father kept a garden.
A garden of the heart;
He planted all the good things,
That gave our lives their start.
He turned us to the sunshine,
And encouraged us to dream;
Fostering and nurturing
The seeds of self-esteem.
And when the winds and rain came,
He protected us enough;
But not too much because he knew
We would stand up strong and tough.
His constant good example,
Always taught us right from wrong;
Markers for our pathway that will last
a lifetime long.
We are our Father’s garden,
We are his legacy.
Thank you, Daddy.
We love you with all our hearts,
Ronnie, Burkie, Brian, Roxanne, and Winston, Jr.
E
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MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Rev. Anthony M. Bozeman, SSJ, Celebrant
TRIBUTE
Reflections........................................................................... Winston Burns, Jr.
Mike Allen
Wayne Reese
Connie Steward
Grandchildren
Roxanne Burns
Ronnie Burns
Opening Hymn................................................................... “God Has Smiled On Me”
Presentation of Medal....................................................... Amber Anderson
LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading
Romans 6:3-9...................................................................... Erin Burns
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 23............................................................................... “The Lord is My Shepherd,
there is nothing I shall want.”
Second Reading
Wisdom 3:1-6,9................................................................... Dominique Burns
Gospel and Homily............................................................ Rev. Henry Davis, SSJ
Prayers of the Faithful........................................................ Christy Burns
Offertory Hymn.................................................................. “Precious Lord”
Offertory Gifts..................................................................... Brittany Burns
Blair Burns
Shannon Phillips
Communion Hymn............................................................ “Taste and See”
Meditation Hymn............................................................... “If I Can Help Somebody”
Recessional Hymn.............................................................. “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”
Dwight & Connie Fitch, Musicians
Arrangements entrusted to
RHODES FUNERAL HOME
PALLBEARERS
Brian Burns, Jr.
Damon Burns
Jason Burns, Sr.
Ronald V. Burns, Jr.
Brandon Gueno
Trenton Gueno
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Mike Allen
F. Anderson
Sylvester Anderson
Danny Armstrong
Don Armstrong
Danny Bakewell
Brad Barnes
Robert Bennett
George Bordenave
Ernest Bryant
Dr. Kirk Clayton
Dr. Willard Dumas
Blaise Duhe
Dr. Norman Francis
Eddie Flint
Lloyd Gonzales
Robert Guesnon, Jr.
Sam Holden
Louis Isidore
Glen Joseph
Marvin Knight
Kenneth Leslie
Alden McDonald
Jimmy McNeal
Randy Medaux
Marc Morial
Don Phillips
Galen Plummer
Jordan Plummer
Benjamin Rawlins
Wayne Reese
Vic Richard
Howard Rogers
Emitte Roque, Sr.
Emitte Roque, Jr.
Greg Roque
Sean Roque
Tommy Roque, Sr.
Tommy Roque, Jr.
Warren Spears
Bruce Steward
Chad Steward
Reggie Steward
Ronald Stuart
William Tanner
Perry Tillman
Donald Troutman
Larry Turner
Otis Washington
Eric Wright
Wayne Wright
REPAST
St. Augustine High School Dining Hall
2600 A.P. Tureaud Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70119
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thank you family and friends for your prayers, kind words and gestures. We appreciate and will
be forever grateful for your support during this most difficult time. May God bless and we ask
that you continue to pray for our family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the
St. Augustine High School Winston, Sr. and Gretta Burns Scholarship Fund
2600 A.P. Tureaud Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119