Kurvis Monroe Burns

Kurvis Burns passed away on May 26, 2023, after battling dementia. He was born Curvis Monroe Burns on February 1, 1930. When he was about twelve, he decided to change it to Kurvis with a “K” because it was so much cooler. The next census came around, the name was recorded with a “K,” and it was changed. He married Joyce Yvonne Whiddon Burns in 1947 when they were both seventeen. Kurvis had been supporting his parents since he was fifteen. Kurvis and Joyce lived in a two room Quonset hut with his parents in the beginning. They were married for 52 years and had three children. Yvonne, Carl, and Vance. He was “Grandfather” to Fallon Burns who they adopted when she was a toddler. Kurvis and Joyce worked side by side in the family school picture business. Joyce’s sister Mildred, her husband Darrell, and Joyce’s brothers Norman and Jim were part of the school picture dynasty (School Pictures, Inc.) that became the largest school picture company in the world. Kurvis Burns Photographers represented a large territory through School Pictures, Inc. in north Louisiana, south Arkansas, and east Texas. Kurvis started at the age of 21 in 1951 and did not retire until he was 79. He came from nothing and built the most successful school photography business in the area at that time.

The Burns family are long time members of First Presbyterian Church where Kurvis taught Sunday School, was a greeter, was elected Deacon, Elder, and Elder Emeritus. He volunteered for funerals at the church for many years. After Joyce passed away at only 70, he got a second chance at love with Betty Dickerson who was a wonderful addition to the family and also a member of First Presbyterian.  They married in May of 2001. It was Betty who found the first real help for Vance who suffered from mental illness. She was a vital part of the family and Kurvis was so lucky to have found her.

Kurvis is survived by his wife Betty, his children Yvonne and Carl, his granddaughter Fallon, and her fiancé B.J. Special thanks to his son Carl who took on the most difficult tasks as Kurvis declined and Sally Dickerson (Betty’s granddaughter) who has been the support for Betty’s everyday needs. 

Preceded in death by his father and mother James Monroe Burns and Lillie Mason Burns, his wife Joyce Yvonne Whiddon Burns, his nephew Jerry Burns, and his son Vance LeMont Burns. 

A memorial celebration of his life will be at First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the main sanctuary.  A reception at the church will follow the service. In lieu of flowers please give to the charity of your choice. The memorial service will be streamed live on Facebook at FPCShreveport.

First Presbyterian Church

900 Jordan Street

Shreveport LA