Obituary of Marnice Burns
Marnice Burns
Born Sept 1, 1930 - Sydney, FL
Died Sept 12, 2021 - Sun City Center, FL
Marnice Mansell Burns passed away on Sunday, September 12, 2021 in Sun City Center, Florida just after her 91st birthday. She was born to Dewey and Julia McNeil Mansell on the family farm in Sydney, FL on September 1, 1930.
Marnice was one of 7 children, number 6 in line and the youngest girl. This must have helped build the competitive spirit she developed, as well as her ability to charm everyone she met. Farm life was tough, but they always had everything they needed. Her mother taught her how to be self sufficient and they never went without, even through the Depression years.
Marnice graduated from Turkey Creek High School which was built on property donated by her family. She met the love of her life in 1946 in Plant City, Florida. Winston Burns had just returned from the Navy when he was introduced to Marnice. After just receiving his pilot’s license, Winston asked her mother if he could take her on a date up in an airplane. She said yes, and the rest was history. Winston and Marnice, whom he lovingly called Kitten, were married for 52 wonderful years. They had two beautiful children together, Debra Colleen and Vicki Lynn, who both made their parents incredibly proud. Their lives together were filled with family, laughter, and many adventures both across the country and internationally.
Marnice had many talents, many involving plants and horticulture. She spent many years in various Garden Clubs organizing, arranging, teaching, and judging. Marnice received many accolades and blue ribbons for her floral designs. She was a nationally recognized judge and prided herself on her contributions to the art. Every home she lived in was filled with beauty. She had a talent for decorating and designing her gardens. Her various yards were park-like settings where her family and friends could enjoy native plants and the natural environment. She was also a talented seamstress who created all types of clothing and decor. She passed on her love of horticulture and creative endeavors to her daughters and grandchildren who will always feel close to her as they continue her legacy.
Marnice spent her entire life living in the state of Florida. She loved her home and could not imagine being anywhere else. Although she traveled the country and world, Florida was always home. She spent the last 16 years of her life in Sun City Center where she was an active member of Trinity Baptist Church. She made many friends whom she enjoyed spending time worshiping and socializing with. She loved playing dominoes and various card games and later in life enjoyed bingo with the residents at Aston Gardens.
She was preceded in death by her parents Dewey and Julia McNeil Mansell, six siblings, and her loving husband, Winston Boyette Burns. She is survived by her daughters Debra (Don) Vickers (Sun City Center, FL) and Vicki (Skip) Nolan (Sun City Center, FL), grandson Christopher Burns (Eugene, OR), granddaughter Alicia (Payton) Rennels (Wimberley, TX), and great-granddaughters Caitlin Mae Burns (St. Petersburg), Julia Rennels (Wimberley, TX), and Eila Rennels (Wimberley, TX).
If you are so called, donations may be made to Trinity Baptist Church Missions.
