Bobbie Jean Burris

Mrs. Bobbie Jean Porter Burris of Vienna passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 22, 2011, at 11:14 a.m. in Western Baptist Hospital after an 8-month illness. Bobbie Jean was born on October 14, 1930, in Foreman, Illinois, a twin daughter of Harve Raymond and Fannie Bea Richards Porter. She and her twin sister celebrated their 80th birthday together this past October. She spent her youth in Foreman and Belknap. After her father's death when she was 13, her family moved to Vienna and she attended Vienna High School. In just a few years, Bobbie met a man just home from the service who would become the love of her life, Bynum Burris. They married in Piggott, Arkansas, on July 31, 1950. She lived with her new husband in the Burris family home in Simpson for a few months. Then they moved to Vienna where they would spend their entire married life of over 57 years. Bynum preceded her in death on October 6, 2007. Bobbie had a quiet manner and was very devoted in the care of her family and home. She loved to garden, cook, work in her yard, and take long walks in the evening. She was the perfect stay-at-home mother while her daughter was growing up. She later worked for several years at the Vienna Times newspaper office and then Ben Franklin. She was a member of Gilead Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Simpson, but was attending Fellowship Baptist Church in Vienna where she enjoyed listening to her grandson preach the Gospel. Bobbie is survived by her daughter, Brenda Darlene Kreuter and her husband John of Vienna. She was precious Mammy to her grandson John Russ Kreuter and his wife Jenny of Vienna, and her granddaughter Beth Ann Kreuter of Louisville, Kentucky. She was Great Mammy to Ella Beth, John Silas, and Luciana Marie Kreuter, all of Vienna. She is also survived by her twin sister, Bettie Jane Howard of Granite City, Illinois, her brother Billy Ray Porter and his wife Billie of Anna, Illinois, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bynum Burris, her dear sister Mary Catherine Hurley, and her parents. Graveside services will be Wednesday, January 26, at 11:00 a.m. at Gilead Cemetery in Simpson, Illinois. Pastor Russ Kreuter will officiate. Those attending the service are asked to gather at the cemetery at 10:45 a.m. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Gilead Cemetery, c/o Norman Lee, 690 Gum Springs Road, Simpson, IL 62985.

Bobbie Jean Burris

October 14, 1930 - January 22, 2011