Nonna Burris

Nonna Burris, age 88, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the home of her beloved grandson, Chad, in Bridgeton, Missouri.

She was born on March 27, 1937, in Bigham, Illinois, the cherished daughter of the late Edgar and Genevieve (Neathery) Garland. On April 27, 1957, Nonna Garland married the love of her life, Leo Lester Burris, in Hillsboro, Illinois. They shared a beautiful life together until Leo’s passing on June 18, 2008.

A woman of deep faith, Nonna was a devoted member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Collinsville, Illinois, where she joyfully served the Lord and her church family. After raising her children, she began working and she joined the Schnucks Bakery Department, where she made countless friends and retired after many years of faithful service. Later in life she returned to work in the housekeeping department at Stearns Nursing Home in Granite City, where her meticulous care kept every corner shining.

Nonna had a remarkable creative spirit and an unmatched eye for detail. Together with Leo, she shared her love of crafting through their business, Wood and Lace, delighting many at craft fairs across the region. Her home, much like her heart, was always filled with warmth, beauty, and love.

Above all, Nonna treasured her family. She found her greatest joy in time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, each one a precious gift she loved and spoiled endlessly. Her legacy of kindness, faith, and love will live on in every life she touched.

In addition to her parents and husband, Nonna was preceded in death by her daughter, Laura Williams; son,  Leo Rodney Burris; granddaughter, Jennifer Cann-Wood; great-granddaughters, Brittany and Kayla Powers; and brothers, Clifford, Charles, Elwin Simmons 

She is survived by her loving daughter, Kathy Cox; adored grandchildren, Chad (Tonnya) Feeney, Joshua Feeney, Brevan (Christina) Flaugher, and Stefan (Leigh Ann Ledbetter) Flaugher; and cherished great-grandchildren Landyn, Aidyn, Madisyn, Prestyn, Daniel, Maryn, Morgyn. She is also survived by many dear nieces, nephews, extended family, and treasured friends.

A celebration of Nonna’s life will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Irwin Chapel in Granite City, Illinois. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Sherman Smith officiating. Nonna will be laid to rest beside her beloved Leo at Green Hill Cemetery in Fillmore, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and donations will be accepted at the funeral chapel.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.irwinchapel.com.