Elsie Jean Burns

Elsie Jean was born on September 3, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York to the late Elsie May LLewyllen Dubocq (deceased Dec 24,1982) and Vice Consul, Captain Benjamin Leo Dubocq (deceased Oct 1941). Elsie was a loving daughter, wife and mother and sailed to God on December 9, 2017. She was married to the late John Joseph Burns on July 17, 1950, in the Methodist Church. They legally separated in 1953. They had one daughter, Barbara, who is her surviving caregiver. Over her lifetime, Elsie was a devoted member of churches of several denominations. She served both church and community as a member of: Methodist Women's Group, Catholic Council of Women, church choirs, and as a certified Literacy Volunteer to pre-K 4 year old’s. In addition, she and Barbara served on the NY State Legislative Representative's Advisory Committee and was a lifetime member of NY Telephone Pioneers. She crocheted and knitted afghans for the elderly in nursing homes, new born babies and scarfs for the homeless in shelters. Elsie worked for NY Telephone for 42 years, retiring in 1989. Starting as a telephone operator, she was promoted several times, into management. She completed the NY Telephone Management Training School in 1971. In 1979, Elsie graduated from The State University of NY, Farmingdale with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Post retirement, Elsie also worked for US Census Bureau. A resident of Columbia, SC since February 2006, she continued in her love of music, painting, drawing, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and writing. Elsie had a spirit of adventure. She loved to travel, go camping, and frequently sailed with Barbara on many cruise ships since 1998. Elsie was known and loved by many for her sense of humor, her laughter and smile. She loved trying new things and socializing. Elsie loved baseball and was a diehard NY METS fan! Diagnosed in 2014 with Alzheimer’s, she was, over time, no longer capable of engaging in the activities she loved. A musical prelude and visitation for Elsie Jean will begin at 10:30 o’clock, Saturday, December 16th followed by the service at 11 o'clock at Reformation Lutheran Church, 1118 Union Street, Columbia with The Rev. Timothy Bupp officiating. Entombment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7:30 o’clock Friday evening, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. In lieu of flowers, the family request a donation be made to one of the following organizations: Alzheimers Association (ALZ.ORG), The Columbia City Ballet ( WWW.columbiacityballet/annual or the Harriet Hancock LGBT Center (https://secure.squarespace.com/commerce/donate?donatePageId=5760b6f0d210b8e1f48c61fa.

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Elsie Jean Burns

September 3, 1929 - December 9, 2017