Maurice Rodney Burns

Maurice Rodney Burns, 61, transitioned on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital, Oxford, MS.

Maurice Rodney Burns was born on September 3, 1964 in St. Louis, Missouri. He spent most of his childhood from a toddler in Markham, IL where his aunt, Nancy Moore, lovingly raised Maurice and Donnie as her own.  During those years, Maurice also spent much of his life with his cousin Theresa  Alexander during summers. In his early teen years, Maurice relocated back to University City, Missouri, where he was raised by his aunt, Florence Jacques, who played an important role in his life. Maurice attended University City High School and spent much of his time with his god-mother, Franzetta Jefferies, and his extended brother, Mark Halliburton, whose bond with his was like family.

In 1993, Maurice relocated to Mississippi where he built his adult life. While there, he formed a strong brotherhood with Marcus Moore, rooted in loyalty and friendship. It was also in Mississippi that he met Zolia, the love of his life, and they were married on September 1, 2000. From this union, Marcelle Sharee Burns was born on July 21, 1994. Maurice was a hardworking man who took pride in providing for his family. He was employed in New Albany, working full time at Master-Bilt and part time at 2 Sisters Diner. He believed in showing up, doing his job, and taking care of his responsibilities. He valued family, loyalty, and respect. He took pride in providing, protecting, and being there for those who mattered most to him.

Maurice was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Ann Atkins; his aunt, Florence Jacques; his youngest daughter, Marcelle Sharee Burns; and his older cousin, Winfred Willis, who was more  like an older brother to him.

Maurice departed this life for his eternal home on January 18, 2026, in Oxford, Mississippi. He leaves to cherish his legacy his loving wife, Zolia Burns; his daughters, Marketta Shanell Burns and Cierra Shanel Burns; his step-daughter, Yolanda Garner; his only grandson, John LaDaniel Dailey, Jr.; his granddaughters, Jordan Chanay Liner, Kaionna Dia'Mari Burns, Kanai De'Joir Burns, and Marleigh LaVaughn Fair; his great-grand-daughter, Ramiyah De'Joir Jordan; special friend of 16 years, Kecia Allen; his extended brother, Mark Halliburton; his brother in life, Marcus Moore; his cousins raised as siblings, Bridgette Willis, La'Teva Willis-Lee, and Omar Brown; and a host of other cousins, family and friends.

His memory will live on through the family he loved and the life he lived.  

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Serenity Funeral Home Chapel, 722 Coulter Drive, New Albany, MS  38652.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 12 Noon, at New Birth Community Church, 614 Glade Avenue, New Albany, MS  38652.

Burial will take place a Ruckersville Cemetery, in Falkner, MS, at a later date..

Arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home of New Albany, MS