Obituary of Judith M. Burns

Judith Marie Burns, known to many as Judy, passed away peacefully with her family on the morning of Friday, December 19, 2014, at the age of 72. She was born September 30, 1942 in Blowing Rock, to Jesse and Ethel Holshouser Burns. Judy was a former member of Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church and actively attended Boone Advent Christian Church. She attended Lees-McRae and Appalachian State Teachers College. She was employed as the Town Clerk and Finance Officer for the Town of Blowing Rock where she retired. Born and raised in Blowing Rock, Judy was a beloved mother, sister, and grandmother who was tirelessly devoted to her family and the church. She had a passion for the Blowing Rock and Boone community and just loved �her� mountains. Always actively involved in community efforts, Judy was instrumental in the establishment of the 1988 Museum and the Blowing Rock Historical Society. Over her many years, she enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends, was an avid reader and collector of dolls. Ms. Burns is survived by her daughter, Kim Gillikin Blumeyer and fianc�, Eric Keller, of Boone; her son, Ben Gillikin and wife, Jeannine, of San Francisco, CA; eight grandchildren; brother, Ronald Burns and wife, Sylvia, of Boone; and sister-in-law, Janice Burns of Blowing Rock. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Ethel Holshouser; and her brother, Jerry Burns. A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted Monday morning, December 22nd, 2014, at 11 o�clock, at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Pastor Gordon Noble and Rev. Dr. Lynn Stall. The family will receive friends following services. Private graveside services will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Samaritan�s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. Online condolences may be shared with the Burns family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Burns family.