Earlene Kennerson Burris

Earlene Kennerson Burris was born to Isreal and Dorothy (Gentry) Kennerson on March 15, 1956 in Somerville, Texas, the sixth of seven children. Raised in a Christian home and while living in Somerville, she was a proud member of the Somerville Church of God family. Earlene was formally educated in the Somerville Independent School District.

Moving to Oklahoma, she met and subsequently married Rodney Burris of Langston, OK on August 26, 1974. Starting a family, Earlene and Rodney relocated to Guthrie, OK. This union was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Yulonda and Makeisha. As a doting mother, there was nothing she would not do for her daughters or her family. Along with her sisters Clara and Charlene, Earlene was united with Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Eddie Ward and, subsequently, under Pastor Clyde Richmond. She completed her stewardship as a faithful and dedicated member of the Macedonia Usher Board.

Earlene had a calling of service to others. She worked as a Teaching Assistant and a Certified Nursing Assistant in Guthrie and Jane Phillips Hospital in Bartlesville, OK for many years. After returning to Guthrie, Earlene was employed at Guthrie Job Corps Center as a Resident Advisor impacting many young people’s lives. Returning to school, Earlene earned certification as a Certified Dental Assistant, graduating with honors from the Francis Tuttle Vo-Tech in Oklahoma City. A virtuous woman as characterized in Proverbs 31, Earlene Kennerson Burris was a model Christian, always with the most beautiful smile and warming spirit that continually welcomed others. Earlene shared her faith, not by words alone but by living the Christian life for others to witness and emulate.

On Monday, January 15, 2018, Earlene was called by her LORD and Savior Jesus Christ from labor to reward. Her work on this side of Paradise was done! Now she could receive her Crown of Life. Earlene was predeceased by her parents, Isreal & Dorothy Kennerson, her infant twin brother, Ervin Kennerson, father-in-law J.C. Burris Sr. and brothers-in-law Clarence Miller and J.C. Burris Jr. Surviving and cherishing her memory are her proud, loving and devoted husband Rodney of the home (very seldom did you see them apart), and daughters Yulonda of Broken Arrow and Makeisha of Oklahoma City; siblings Yvonne Johnson of Denver, CO, Earnest Taylor (Vernice) of Madisonville, TX, Clara Jackson and Charlene Miller, both of Guthrie, and Albert Kennerson (Cheryl) of San Antonio, TX. Additionally, Earlene is survived by her aunt Eva Johnson (Walter) of Los Angeles, CA, mother-in-law Faye Burris of Coyle, brothers-in-law Donald Burris (Joyce) of Ft Worth, TX, Darryle Burris and Reginald Burris (Kay) both of Oklahoma City, plus sister-in-law Debra Burris of Oklahoma City, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews and friends.

Funeral services for Earlene will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, January 22, 2018 at First Christian Church, 402 East Noble Avenue. Interment will follow at Summit View Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, Guthrie. Viewing will be held Sunday, 3:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.