Gloria Ann Burns

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Gloria Ann Quirk Burns, 87, lifelong resident of Columbia, died Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Brookdale Assisted Living.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday, November 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Rev. Earl Davis and Michelle Quirk Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in Neapolis Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Sunday, November 16, 2025 from 4:00 PM till 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

The family suggest memorials be made to Neapolis United Methodist Church, 2631 Old US Hwy 31 Columbia TN 38401 or to the Neapolis Cemetery Association, 3060 Valley Creek Rd. Culleoka 38451. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Born March 7, 1938 in Columbia, TN, she was the daughter of the late Jesse Lee Quirk and the late Elma Lee Fly Quirk. On June 19, 1959, she married the love of her life, Milton Leroy Burns, who preceded her in death on February 12, 2008. Mrs. Burns was a graduate of Spring Hill High School and received her Business Degree from Columbia Business College. Since she was a child, she has been known as “Tutter” because her brother could not pronounce “sister”. She was an avid animal lover, especially horses and her dogs and cats. Mrs. Burns was an amazing cook and voracious reader, and she loved taking pictures. She was never without a camera, always framing memories. Mrs. Burns loved her family and adored her granddaughter. She was a member of the Neapolis United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her sons, Phil (Lauri Kaye) Burns, and Eric Burns; granddaughter, Hannah Burns; several nieces, nephews, many loving cousins; Will Bolton, Zach Bolton; and life-long friend, Martha Lee.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Harold “Bunny” Quirk and Jesse Ray Quirk.

Active pallbearers will be Paige Bolton, Mike Bolton, Will Bolton, Jeff Quirk, Hannah Burns, and Wesley Thomas. Honorary pallbearer will be Zach Bolton.

The family would like to express a special thanks to the loving staff of Brookdale Assisted Living, and her church family at Neapolis United Methodist Church.