Linda Lou Tate Burns

Sister Linda Lou Tate Burns departed this life on Wednesday March 15, 2023 at the age of 73. She was born in Savannah, TN on January 18, 1950 as the middle child and only daughter of the Late Maggie Lou Tate and Louie Tate Sr. Linda was preceded in death by her brother Abraham Lincoln Tate, one adopted brother Rev. Grady Nixon, and one God-brother Luster Hubbard.

She professed a belief in Christ at an early age and united with Graham Chapel CME Church as a dedicated and treasured member following in her Mother’s footsteps serving on the Stewardess Board and Missionary Society, eventually becoming its’ President. She also worked with the youth, choir and as the church pianist. 

Linda attended (Historical) Dunbar High School and Central High School, graduating in 1968 and remaining active with lifelong alumni friends. Linda’s higher education journey began at the University of Tennessee at Martin pursuing a Childhood Education degree. In the midst of her expedition she soared to greater heights by becoming a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. providing lifelong "Service to All Mankind”.  After leaving college she accepted a position as a park ranger at Shiloh National Military Park leading educational tours.  This experience provided her opportunity to work in the National Park System in Brooklyn, NY and Seattle, WA.  Linda ultimately moved back to Savannah, TN continuing employment with the Federal Government at TVA Yellow Creek Nuclear Site. 
She was united in marriage on August 22, 1986 to Harold Burns. To this union two beautiful children was born, Christopher Devon Burns and Keshia Anquita Burns. Having been brought up on strong family principles and values, she and Harold modeled the African proverb of “It takes a village” by extending that same upbringing in their children, a village of children, nieces and nephews they took under their wings. 

God led Linda to return to her love for teaching and desire to work with children at Parris South Elementary as a Special Education Assistant under Kathy Browder and Renea Johnson. Promotion came in the position of a Music teacher for 8 years.  Her heart for helping others then steered her to Turney Center Industrial Complex Annex. There she built long lasting relationships with many co-workers one of which was a special friend, Pamela Witherspoon. Linda also made a difference in the lives of and was well respected by the probational residents. Just like a feather in the wind, after 13 years, her journey there came to a celebrated end in the reward of retirement. Retirement life was quite fitting for Linda. She spent her time traveling, having long talks with family and friends, participating in church services and events, shopping, dinner dates with her Harold, cooking and baking, decorating for the holidays, enjoying the entertainment of social media and her most favorite of them all, FAMILY TIME. 

Linda leaves to celebrate her life, her husband Harold Burns of Savannah, TN; one son, Christopher Devon Burns of Lawrenceville, GA and one daughter, Keshia Anquita Burns of Jackson, TN; Grand-dog The Standard Poodle, Andy Charles Burns; two brothers Russell N. Tate of Savannah, TN and Louie Tate Jr.(Virgia) of  Milwaukee, WI;  sister-in-law, Martha Burns of Memphis, TN; A host of Nieces and Nephews one of whom was more like a little sister, Laura Ann Davis; Devoted friends whom we consider family, Shirley Tall, Queen Seiver, Peggy Moore, Dee Hart, Mary (Maxine) Ross, Denise White, Donna Flournoy, Sondra D. Perry and Linda Irwin.