In Memory: Shirley Burris

(Photo by Alyssa Plewacki - Breyerfest 2022)

Shirley Marie Burris, daughter of William "Floyd" and Laura Caviness Hopkins, was born July 7, 1938, in Laclede County, Missouri and departed this life October 23, 2024, in Columbia, Missouri, at the age of eighty-six years.

Shirley attended school in Lebanon and graduated from Lebanon High School with the class of 1957. She made many dear friends over the years and treasured the closeness of our community.

Shirley was united in marriage with Duane Burris and to this union was born one son, Doug. Shirley and Duane shared many years of love and laughter, prior to his passing in March of 2013.

Shirley was a devoted wife and mother, putting the needs of her family first. She loved them deeply and unconditionally.

In her free time, Shirley was very active in the Republican Party events. She volunteered her time and was passionate about her beliefs. Her work didn't go unnoticed. She was sworn in as President of the Republican Women's 4th District in Sedalia. The 4th district is the largest in Missouri. It is comprised of fourteen counties including Barton, Benton, Camden, Capital Area, Cedar, Dade, Lafayette, Hickory, Johnson, Laclede, Pettis, Pulaski, Ray and St. Clair.

In younger years, she also did some modeling. However one of her greatest joys was working with her Breyer show horse, "*Native Sun." He was the Grand National Champion for many years. Of all the many things she loved about her life, time spent and laughter shared with her friends and family is what she treasured most.

She is survived by one son, Doug Burris and his wife Amor of Lebanon, MO; one granddaughter, Amber Jones and her husband Adam of Lebanon, MO; two great-grandchildren, Anthony and Angela Jones; one sister, Barbara O'Quinn, also of Lebanon, MO; other relatives and many friends.

Those preceding her in death include her parents; her husband, Duane; one daughter, Tane; one sister, Betty Davis; and one brother, Jack Hopkins.Shirley will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

There is no service planned at this time for Shirley. Obituary courtesy of Shadel's Colonial Chapel, Lebanon, Missouri.

*In July 2022, AMHA was honored to welcome Shirley and her world champion stallion, MorganQuest Native Sun, to the Kentucky Horse Park as they were celebrated at Breyerfest. It was a privilege to meet this lovely lady and share in her joy as Native Sun demonstrated his talents and received recognition as an official Breyer Horse; something we will always remember and treasure. Thank you for everything, Shirley. We'll miss you.