Ms. Nancy S. Burns

Nancy Shaw Burns was born July 5, 1933, she was the beloved daughter of the late Freda Frame Shaw and Alden Rood Shaw.  Nancy dedicated her professional life to education and student support. She served as a Title I Reading Assistant with Buncombe County Schools in Asheville, North Carolina, and previously worked as a School Counselor in Haywood County Schools. Earlier in her career, Nancy held leadership roles in teacher training and educational programs, including positions with the University of South Florida’s SunCoast Area Teacher Training Honors Program and The Foxfire Fund. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Charleston (WV) cum laude in 1954 and an MBA from the University of Denver in 1960. Nancy was certified as a School Counselor (K–12) and in Vocational Business Education.  A faithful member of Land of the Sky United Church of Christ, Nancy lived her values daily. She was a true humanitarian who cared deeply for her community. Wherever she lived, she found meaningful ways to serve and support others. She had a lively spirit, a generous heart, and a natural gift for making people feel seen and cared for.  Nancy was a minimalist who loved the outdoors and found joy in birdwatching and simple pleasures. She was an avid reader, a lifelong learner, and passionate about educating children. Her warmth, kindness, and steady presence touched countless lives.   She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, John H. Burns, whom she loved dearly; her son, Jack Cooke; her brother, Kenneth Shaw; and her nephew, Benjamin Bowns.   Nancy passed away peacefully at the tender age of 92, on February 25, 2026.  She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Cooke; her sister, Katie Bowns; her nephew, Howard Bowns; her nieces, Margaret Jane Shaw Rubenstein and Juli Kendall Shaw Seaman; her grandchildren, Sydney and Shelbie Englert; and her great-grandsons, Royce and Rhett McLeod and Axel H. Gray.  Nancy will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of compassion, service, and love will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

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