Roberta Dee (Jones) Burns ("Bobbie")

Bobbie was born on June 15, 1937. She attended school in Roxana, Illinois, before enrolling at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois.

Bobbie was very active during her university years. She won the title of Miss Southern in a beauty contest and was a member of Angel Flight, a dance group that entertained audiences both on campus and beyond. Angel Flight often performed for our troops at various military camps and USO events.

During her senior year, Bobbie was a member of the Homecoming Queen's Court. Following her graduation in 1959, she accepted a teaching position in Santa Clara, California, where she taught art. Bobbie enjoyed a successful modeling career, appearing on billboards nationally, on product packaging and even in the Sears Roebuck catalog along with her daughter. Eventually, in 1980 she was wooed and romanced back to Atascocita by a longtime sweetheart.

While teaching art at Atascocita Middle School, Bobbie inspired many students to excel in their artistic pursuits. Several of her students had artwork selected for display at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a significant honor given the highly competitive nature of the event. During her years at Atascocita Middle School, she was named Teacher of the Year at least six times and was the perineal winner of the faculty talent show year after year for her dancing. As someone who was dedicated to her craft, she obtained a Masters of Art Education from Stephen F. Austin University. She was a caring, creative educator who helped students discover talents they did not know they possessed.

Bobbie Burns was a well-liked and beloved person throughout her life. In addition to her beauty, her cheerful personality, sense of humor, and kindness endeared her to everyone she met. She also shared a special bond with her younger sister, Bette, who adored her.

Bobbie is survived by her son, Paul Burns, grandson Nicholas King, sister Bette Guillo, nephew Rick Guillo and wife Lynn, along with her grandniece Katelyn Guillo and grand nephews, Ryan Guillo and Nathan Guillo along with many of her beloved cousins, who she grew up with. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Fred and Frankie Jones and her daughter Kelly Burns King. During her lifetime she was a devoted sister, aunt, mother, and friend. She touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Bobbie's final resting place will be next to her parents at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens, in Bethalto, Illinois. A graveside memorial service will be held there on Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 at 11 AM.