Geneva Harkins Burns

Geneva Harkins Burns, 99, of Fairview, passed away at her residence on Tuesday, October 13, 2015. A native of Haywood County, she was a daughter of the late Harley H. and Elizabeth Surrett Harkins. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Ray Thomas Burns; two daughters, Carolyn Mackey and her husband, Ralph and Patsy Mackey and her husband, Don; one grandson, Tim Briggs, as well as two sisters and three brothers. Geneva worked as an inspector at CP Clare for 25 years. She was a member of Fairview Baptist Church and served as the director of the nursery there for over 20 years. She enjoyed gardening and sewing, but above all else, her family was the most important thing to her. She is survived by five daughters, Betty McFalls, Martha Gilmer, Dorothy Warwick, Linda Briggs and her husband, Jack and Sandra Harris and her husband, Steve; fifteen grandchildren; thirty six great-grandchildren; seventeen great great-grandchildren; one great great great-grandchild as well as several nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Patricia Logan, Geneva's caregiver for the past three years. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at Fairview Baptist Church with Reverends Todd Royal, Stacey Harris and Steve Harris officiating. Interment will follow at Cane Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30-11:00 AM on Saturday at Fairview Baptist Church. Flowers are appreciated, but memorial donations may be made to either Fairview Baptist Church, 32 Church Road, Fairview, NC 28730 or to the Cane Creek Cemetery Association, PO Box 162, Fairview, 28730. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.