Rutha Lee Burney's Obituary
BURNEY
INKSTER - Rutha L. Burney, 90, of Discovery Bay, CA, formerly of Inkster, MI passed away August 27, 2021.
Arrangements are being handled by Skylawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park, San Mateo, California for services on September 3, 2021. Public viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A celebration of Life Service celebrating Rutha’s life will be conducted in the Santa Cruz Room from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Lowering of the casket will occur at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bayview Imani Breast Cancer Support Group, PO Box 34511, San Francisco, CA 94134 or Face to Face Outreach Ministries, 29160 Carlysle Ave, Inkster, MI 48141. Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.skylawnmemorialpark.com/obituaries
Rutha was born on November 14, 1930, in Mississippi to William and Mary Magdalene Jenkins. She married Booker Burney who preceded her in death in 1984. She graduated from The Piney Woods School, Mississippi in 1948 going on to Tuskegee Institute of Nursing to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Health Education from Wayne State University in 1979. She in addition to being a certified teacher enjoyed a long career in the health care industry until retirement. She was a strong proponent of education and an active member of Holy Family Church and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She was also a tireless member of various community organizations and boards and an avid supporter of her children and grandchildren.
Surviving are sons Tyrone (Deborah) Burney of Discovery Bay, CA, Kenneth Burney of Lexington, KY, Joseph Burney of Inkster, MI and daughter Rutha “Lynn” (Arthur) of Buffalo, NY and sister Kathryn J (Gene) of San Francisco, CA, Luther Jenkins of Detroit, MI, 25 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Rutha was preceded in death by her parents, son Reginald Burney, sister Shirley, and brothers Carl, Paul, Jasper and Grady.
She continued to educate and speak her mind up to the last day. Her life and legacy will be remembered and appreciated by many.
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