Donna Marie Burns died peacefully on June 13, 2025, at the age of 81.
She was born on July 10, 1943, in Bryan.
Donna graduated from Temple High School in 1961 and although she began her college career on a music scholarship, she found her true calling in nursing and received a degree in nursing from Central Texas College.
She raised three children: Louis, Julie and David. She instilled in them the values of hard work, kindness and resilience.
Donna lived many years in Lometa, where she and her children attended Good Shepherd Catholic Church. She lived in Temple during her last 20 years and was employed by Scott & White Hospital as a nurse until her death.
Donna dedicated over 50 years to nursing. Her career not only reflected her professional dedication but also her innate desire to care for those most vulnerable and in need. Colleagues and patients admired her expertise and warmth, which made a lasting impact on many.
Donna also opened her home in Temple to many active-duty soldiers, providing housing, food and love to those away from home and serving our country.
Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and friends — hosting holidays, spoiling her grandbabies and making sure everyone left her home with a full belly and a warm hug.
Donna loved music, especially old country, dancing, driving the backroads of Lampasas County and watching Hallmark movies. She was always game to make an Amazon purchase, make a fast-food run or brag about her children and grandbabies on Facebook.
She is survived by her children Louis Burns and spouse Laurie Burns, Julie Burns Morton and spouse Christopher Morton, and David “Stud” Burns and spouse Shannon Burns; grandchildren Jack Morton, Reese Morton, Brady Morton, Kennedy Burns and Brynn Burns; brother Thomas Nixon and spouse Debbie Nixon; and many extended family members.
Donna was preceded in death by her mother, Florence Nixon; stepfather, Clifton Nixon; brother, Dwight Nixon; and ex-husband, Walter Burns.
Visitation will be held June 27 from 6-8 p.m. at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Temple.
A Funeral Mass will be June 28 at 10 a.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Lometa. A private burial will take place at Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery in Georgetown.
Memorial donations may be made to Operation Gratitude at www. operationgratitude.com (reference recipient email of julieburnsmorton@gmail.com).
