Thelma D. Burns

May 27, 1936 - November 18, 2022

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Obituary for Thelma D. Burns

Thelma D. (Callender) Burns, a well-known Boston community service champion, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2022, at The Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, surrounded by family.

Born in Cambridge Massachusetts in 1936, Thelma lived her early years in a multi-generational, multi-family home, with her parents and brothers, as well an uncle, aunt, and cousin: this may be where she acquired her steadfast commitment to family and her love of community.

After completing High school and moving to Dorchester, Thelma graduated from nursing school, which is how she began her professional career. In 1956 she married Edward Burns, a union that produced three daughters, Gemma, Karen, and Candace.

Reacting to the unfair firing of a Boston school teacher, for what she knew to be cultural bias, Thelma joined forces with others to voice their outrage and concern. This was the start of her journey into community service and social activism. This also led to her return to academia where she earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston University, and a Master’s degree in Education from Harvard University. Thelma was also selected as a Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Fellow. All this, while maintaining a full-time job, family, and household.

For several years, Thelma served as co-founder and Executive Director of The Storefront Learning Center, one of Boston’s first learning programs focused on the needs of inner-city youth. Thelma’s focus and involvement with Boston’s marginalized youth grew to include her service in two different Metropolitan Council of Education Opportunity (METCO) program communities, first in Cohasset and later in Belmont, where she spent more than 20 years changing and improving the lives of countless young people.

After her retirement from METCO in 2001, Thelma became focused on the needs and concerns of Boston’s senior community. She worked tirelessly advocating for the needs of the elderly, serving on numerous committees and organizing life-enriching educational and social events.

Thelma served on the Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) Board of Directors for more than 35 years in multiple capacities, including Board Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Chair. Thelma headed the ABCD Dorchester Neighborhood Service Center board for more than 15 years. She also operated in a leadership capacity on numerous community boards, including Central Boston Elder Services, the Mayor’s Senior Advisory Council, and the Roxbury YMCA. Most recently she served on the Grimes-King Foundation for the Elderly, Inc. In 2016, Thelma was recognized when ABCD elected to name its newly renovated building in her honor. The Thelma D. Burns building is home to The University High School, for non-traditional students, and hosts public and private events that serve and enrich the community.

A two-time cancer survivor and ardent advocate, Thelma volunteered for several programs focused on increasing cancer awareness and prevention. She volunteered at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and was an active member of the Boston Public Health Commission’s Pink and Black Education and Support Network.

Thelma’s devotion and commitment to faith were unwavering. A long-time member of two local churches, Thelma’s first spiritual home was, The First Church of God in Boston, and for many years now she has made Morning Star Baptist Church her spiritual home.

Thelma was also a long-time member of her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., aligned with the Boston Alumnae chapter, and was one of the founding members of the Norfolk Plymouth Area Alumnae Chapter.

Thelma leaves behind her husband of 66 years, Edward Burns; her children, Gemma (Elisa) Burns, Karen Burns (Cecil) White, and Candace Burns and partner, Richard Francis; her grandsons, Kyle (Paige) White and Dr. Cedric (Dr. Julianne) White, and great-granddaughter, Morgan White; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Thelma is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Eva Callender, and her brothers, Rev. Dr. Eugene Callender and Leland Callender.

Visitation will be held at Morning Star Baptist Church, 1257 Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan on Tuesday, November 29th Viewing - 9-10:30AM. Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Omega Omega Service – 10:30AM. The Funeral Service will begin at 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Thelma D. Burns, in support of their Cancer Care Equity Program.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284

Gifts can also be made to the Action for Boston Community Development in support of their Head Start program.

Action for Boston Community Development 178 Tremont Street Boston, MA 02111 (Please indicate Thelma Burns Memorial in the check memo)

Services

29 Nov

Viewing

09:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Morning Star Baptist Church 1257 Blue Hill Avenue Mattapan, MA 02126 Get Directions »
29 Nov

Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Omega Omega Service

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Morning Star Baptist Church 1257 Blue Hill Avenue Mattapan, MA 02126 Get Directions »
29 Nov

Funeral Service

11:00 AM

Morning Star Baptist Church 1257 Blue Hill Avenue Mattapan, MA 02126 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • December 07, 2022

    Our deepest condolences to the family. From The Graham Family

  • December 01, 2022

    A Godly Human Being, Mentor, Role Model and Inspirational Leader to Young Fathers like me, and Mothers. Forever Greatful to Mrs. Thelma Burns. My condolences to her Beloved Family and May Mrs. Burns Rest In Paradise Tomás Ávila, Belmont METCO Parent

  • November 30, 2022

    Thelma was such a huge part of my life as a kid. My sister and I used to call her Nana because she treated us like her grandkids. Whenever my parents would bring us to see her and the Chooch, they would make us feel so loved. They would teach us things about life and play with us. It was always good times. She will be truly missed and will never be forgotten. Love always, little Rod, Irene, Tay, and RJ.

  • November 30, 2022

    I will miss you immensely, my friend! I love you!

  • November 30, 2022

    Thelma was a beautiful person who gave so many people unconditional love and support throughout her life. Most of all I will miss her ability to provide me with words of positive encouragement during difficult times in my own life. How ironic and touching that her funeral service was on "Giving Tuesday" since she embodied what it is to give of oneself in her lifetime. I know she was carried in the arms of angels and will pray for her family to be sustained with beautiful memories in this difficult time. Christine Handerek-Peralta

  • November 29, 2022

    To the Burns Family, I will cherish every card Soror Burns sent me during my quick and unexpected journey with acute Leukemia in 2014. She and her partner in crime, Soror Yvonne Jones sent Edible Arrangements and cards to cheer me up. I don't know how they knew when I was having a really bad day, but they did. I'm forever grateful! Her kindness and thoughtfulness will never be forgotten. Nor will she. Forever in my heart always!!! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful soul with all of us.

  • November 29, 2022

    My deepest condolences, Karen, Candace, and family, on the loss of your wonderful matriarch. Thelma was a force for equality, love, and compassion who made the world a brighter place. May her strength give you strength during these challenging days.

  • November 29, 2022

    Sister Burns truly did "do unto others, as she would have them do unto her - it was just joyful to meet and receive her warming and loving smile". We will be eternally grateful that God placed her in our paths - thanks a million times to her family and friends for sharing her with us. TGBTG - Charlotte-Lori-Malachi Nelson

  • November 29, 2022

    Our condolences to the Burn's family for the passing of your mother, wife, grandmother and shinning light. The impact of your mothers good deeds and support will be missed. Our prayers are with your family. The Cuthbert Holmes Family

  • November 29, 2022

    My condolences to Thelma Burns husband, children and family members. I have known Mrs. Burns all my life, since I was about 8 yrs old, she encouraged, supported, disciplined, and mentored me thru my life, at different times, especially thru Belmont METCO. We had lots of laughs, and I loved her dearly for always having something positive to say. I will miss her, I thank her for her wisdom and her faith. Rest easy Mrs. Burns....well done🥰🙏🏽🥰❤️

  • November 28, 2022

    She will be missed at AARP and MSAC meeting. She made a difference in our lives. Joanne Chambers

  • November 28, 2022

    To the family of Thelma Burns, Mr. Burns, Candace, Karen, Gemma Thelma's grandchildren, relatives, and friends, I was saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved wife and mother. She was a champion in our community for seniors and the residents in the community of Dorchester. My deepest sympathy and condolences in this time of loss. May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hands always. May the comfort of knowing you are thought of in prayer and love by those who knew and loved Thelma, comfort and strengthen you in your time of bereavement and the days ahead.

  • November 28, 2022

    My condolences to the Burns family.

  • November 27, 2022

    My deepest condolences to you and your family ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you all for sharing such an incredible, loving, caring ,devoted mother, wife, grandmother, and great grandmother aunt, a leader, and there is a lot more...Mrs. Burns is a Beautiful Woman Of God. I know God make No Mistakes. God Angel is home doing what she loves doing. Community service... Mrs. Burns, I will definitely miss you!!! Thank you for all that you've done in our community and for my son Kelvin.. Mrs. Burns, METCO Coordinator at Belmont and she made sure Kelvin got in.... Once again we loss A Good Hearted Woman of God, and a HERO!!!!!'

  • November 27, 2022

    So sorry for your loss. MG

  • November 26, 2022

    I'm numb. Iv known u all my life. Glad I saw u week b4. Our families always blended. Memories of 408 Love always Debbie Scott

  • November 24, 2022

    My thoughts and prayer goes to your family. Thelma was a wonderful individual who care so much for everyone whom she came in contact with. She always doing Gods work. You will be miss. May you Rest in Peace.

  • November 23, 2022

    When I think of Mrs. Burns, I think of warmth and welcome.. and especially during this Thanksgiving season, when she created some of my happiest Thanksgiving memories. To this day, when I think of Thanksgiving, I see her smile. Mrs. Burns, I know you're watching your spirit live on in your family and your community. Love always! Deidre

  • November 23, 2022

    I was working at ABCD for many years when Thelma was on the board. She was an incredible person professionally and personally. She had time to talk with everyone and had such a kind way of doing so. Rest in Peace, Thelma and thank you for the difference you made in so many lives! Condolences to family and friends of Thelma.

  • November 23, 2022

    Gemma, May God surround you and your family in this difficult moment as you bid farewell to your mother's earthly time. Love and prayers from Houston, Larry Pondet

  • November 23, 2022

    One of the matriarchs of the Boston Community, but especially of Boston's Black Community, a seemingly indefatigable warrior for justice and equality, has gone home to be with the Lord. May God hold the Burns' family and friends within his loving embrace and provide comfort.

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