Judy Burris

Judy Shinn Burris of Concord, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, November 12, 2020 at her home after her battle with breast cancer.

A private graveside service will be held at New Gilead Reformed Church Cemetery officiated by Dr. Steven Ayers.

Judy was born December 11, 1944, in Concord to the late Quentine W. Shinn and Evelyn Suther Shinn. She was also preceded in death by a son, Dean Allman. Judy owned and operated Rock-N-Jeans and Piedmont Screen Printers for a number of years. She also held other various jobs including substitute teaching at W.M. Irvin Elementary School and real estate agent for Niblock Homes. She was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church.

Judy is survived by a son Brent Burris and wife Sarah; grandchildren Brandon Burris and wife Kendall, Samantha Burris and significant other Toby Smith, and great grandchild Bex Burris; sister Bonnie S. Mooring and husband Bill; and a number of extended family members.

Judy had two loves in her life: Jesus and her family. When you were in her presence you could feel the comfort of the Lord. You never left a room without her saying "I love you." She was wonderful in all the roles she played in all of our lives and, was loved by all. She will be greatly missed. We are sad to say goodbye, but we know she is with her Lord and Savior and she is healed for eternity.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 620 Montana Drive, Charlotte, NC 28216, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, PO BOX 1520, Huntersville, NC 28070-1520 or to McGill Baptist Church, 5300 poplar tent Rd. Concord, NC 28027.

From: Brandon, Kendall, and Bex

3 things stick out to our family about Mawmaw.

Number 1 was her laugh. She loved to laugh and even more loved to make others laugh. She was the life of the party during family events and gatherings. She wore her emotions on her sleeve and there was never a doubt how much she loved her family.

Number 2 She knew how to make you feel special. We will miss her spontaneous text messages about how proud she was of our family, how much she loved us, and that she was always praying for us. She wanted nothing more than to be with and around family, and never missed an opportunity to tell you that she loved you and was proud of you.

Number 3 Her Faith. She was a woman of faith and shared that with everyone she came in contact with. She continuously thanked the Lord for her life and family, even through tough times. She truly put her faith in the Lord. She spoke to him and about him like the best friends that they were. Though I know she is sad to leave her physical body I know she is just as happy to be with Dean, her parents, and most of all her Lord and Savior. She was special in so many ways but our family can have solace in knowing that there is no doubt she is spending eternity with her father in heaven.

From: Samantha

There is not just one special thing about MawMaw. She was special! I have so many memories with her, and each one includes lots of laughs and love. Her presence made everyone smile, laugh, and feel loved. She always went the extra mile to make sure everyone in the family knew they were loved by her. She not only spoke about how much she loved us all, every opportunity she showed us. When I was a young girl, MawMaw gave me an angel every year as a present and always told me I was her angel, now she is mine. She always told me; “I love you so much. You are my pride and joy” but honestly, she is the one who brought joy to my life. The pain of losing her is painful and indescribable however, I’m thankful she is dancing in heaven pain free and spending time with her son Dean and her love Stoney


From: Bonnie

Judy was the smart one and I was the A-B student. She was Beta Club material and I the basketball player and cheerleader.

Judy always worked hard and long hours. We talked about the things we would like to do together but work was always in the way and later health issues.

Even though, as sisters do, we disagreed on things but, we knew the love was there.

Thank God my last words to her were “I love you” when we that late Thursday afternoon.

I feel that I was blessed with a loving and caring sister. Now, she is with our Lord, Mother and Daddy, and Dean.

Remember Judy, don’t start the party without me!

I love you always


Sarah to Mom

Mom swelled with joy and pride when it came to her family. No one could do wrong. Even though she never hesitated to tell you what was on her mind; most of it ended with “I love you so much” or “I am so proud of you” as she raised her hand to hold yours.

One of the greatest events that happened for Mom this year was the birth of her great grandchild Bex Burris. Earlier I mentioned pride and joy, but when it came to Box she was head over heels/. She would even talk to his pictures like he was right there with her. :). She was lucky enough to get to hold him a few times. Before her mastectomy in August, holding her great grandchild before going to the hospital was her only concern.

After having the opportunity of spending such great quality time with Mom, the culture of her generation shines. The culture of hard working people who raise a family under whatever circumstances and always does the best they can, always having faith in God, and always striving to keep her family close.

She has two priorities in her life: Jesus and her family.

God has layed his hands on this family and we have rallied all together and closely spent time in these last few months together as a family.

I know that she didn’t pass without feeling safe on Earth, knowing that someone she trusted and cared for would be right by her side. She already had the Lord waiting in heaven and just needed comfort on Earth.

I feel so much the hurt of this loss! We had a different bond - Friend/Mom/daughter— there was no “daughter-in-law” it was “daughter” she wouldn’t have it any other way!! She said to me on many occasions “I will never fills your Mom’s shoes, but I truly think of you as the daughter I never had.”

I will never forget all the fun, silly, heartfelt, scared and intense moments we had together. But I do agree…”Mother-in-law” is not fitting to address Judy, its only “Mom.”

Some may say that the Lord blessed Mom in having me to help her, but I think the Lord blessed me in having Mom.

I love you too, Mom


From: Brent to Mom

My mother was a very special woman. She was a great mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Most importantly she was the best person I have ever known. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and her family. Oh lordly, how she loved her grandchildren and her only great grandson Bex, they were the world to her.

Mom never complained even though she hasn’t been healthy for many years. Her life was about her family. When she would have conversations with you, she was worried about you and your concerns, and trying to find a way to make you feel better.

Some of the things I remember as a child was Mom’s awesome cooking! Even after a hards days work, which Mom had a great work ethic and was the hardest working person I have ever known, she would always prepare a 7 course meal, every single night then, clean up and do it all again the next day because, she wanted her family to have the best.

She was so selfless and always thinking about others.

I remember growing up I had trouble sleeping often. Bad dreams and waking up scared. I would go into her room and wake her up to tell her I was scared. She never once sent me back to my bedroom. She would say “Hop in the bed with me sweetheart.” She would make a special pillow for me, her arm folded up so that I could lay my head there. I would sleep there all night long, not knowing that it would put her arm to sleep.

My mother worked so hard in every aspect of her life so that I would have what I needed and be happy!

My mother, to me, is a Saint! She was and is a better person and mother than I am a man or a son. Most people may not admit to having any regrets of how they treat their mother but, I have a lot. Our lives get in the way and we get busy doing and thinking of ourselves. Leaving out the ones you love. One of the most regretful things in life is that I did not make more time when I had the chance. Now, it’s too late. I want my mother and everyone to know that I loved my mother dearly and, I will always love her. She was and is the person that everyone longs to be. I know without a doubt that she is with Jesus now and he has healed all her ailments and is free from pain, which is what I have always wanted for her. She has lived a hard life and she deserves to be happy. She’s dancing in Heaven with my brother, Dean, Grandma and Papaw, and Stoney, the love of her life.

Until we meet again….please know that I love you so much Mother, Momma…..more than you know