Jacksonville – Mary Long Burns, 88, of Jacksonville, North Carolina passed away on August 30, 2026, at her residence. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Infant of Prague Catholic Church with burial to follow at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

Mary was born on December 26, 1937, in Penokee, Kansas to the late Donald Long and Lodema Sonntag Long. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Homer Hunt Burns and 5 siblings.

She was a loving mother who was the port for all her children and anyone who entered her sheltered harbor became her child. She embraced and lived Christ’s words of comfort and hearth, providing love and succor to those who needed it most.

She is survived by her children, Charles Burns (Christine Zuorick), Christopher Burns (Anna), Cameron Burns (Wannie), Craig Burns (Susan), Curt Burns (Jennifer), Catherine Smith, and Cheryl Burns (Jeff); 26 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Margaret Gardner; and several extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville on Monday, September 7th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. 

When My Little Fingers 

"When my little fingers encircled your thumb and I looked up to you muted and dumb, and you sensed my fear and in inward cries I saw peace in mothers eyes. 

When trials and storms came my way, when darkness and doom came to stay. When troubles abounded to my surprise, I saw comfort in mothers eyes. 

When life brought heartaches and sorrow when there was no hope in facing tomorrow. When all seems lost no matter what one tries, I saw strength in mothers eyes. 

Through all my trials and discomfort in life, amid toil and burden and ongoing strife. Despite all obstacles she looked to the prize. I saw Christ in mothers eyes."