Contact Information
425 Northpark Drive
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Phone: (601) 957-6946
Fax: (601) 957-6928
Map & Driving Directions
GRIEF & HEALING
affirmations to uplift & help you through
each stage of the grieving process.
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of Sharon Lenore. This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Sharon Lenore Burns Matthews, the daughter of Col. Luther William and Bonnie Lambright Burns, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 22, 2024.
Sharon was born in Alexandria, Louisiana, to Col. Luther W Burns, an Air Force officer and Bonnie L. Burns, a first-grade teacher who showed her daughter both the art of cooking and entertaining. Over the years, Sharon traveled with her parents to many places which included being stationed at Greenland AFB where she received her first dog, a collie named Prince, a gift from the Inuit.
She attended the University of Georgia where she was a member of Tri Delta Sorority; later, she graduated from the University of Southern California where she earned a BA degree in Art History and received the award for the most promising student in Art History. She was an accomplished artist who was known for her portraits and landscapes. Over the years, she won many awards for her paintings, especially her abstracts. She loved painting and there was always a canvas on the easel waiting for her next work of art.
She met her first husband, Robert W. Krutz, Jr. in Honolulu, Hawaii where her parents were stationed at Hickam AFB, and Robert was a Navy Ensign. The two met at a debutante party where the guests brought their own steaks. Each decided that the other had their steak (the larger one). It was love at first sight and shortly after, she became an officer’s wife. Robert enlisted in the Air Force (much to the Colonel’s delight) so that he could continue to pursue his love of Aerospace Engineering.
She was an Air Force wife for almost twenty years and was very devoted to her children, volunteer work, entertaining, and of course, her painting. Sharon lived in many different states as well as England, where she developed her love of antiques.
Alas, things changed and a second marriage began with Dudley Matthews. Being of service to others was always important to Sharon, and she demonstrated this by volunteering for many organizations throughout her life. While living in San Antonio, Sharon volunteered as a docent at the McNay Art Museum, the League of Women Voters and the Texas State Hospital, where she taught art to mentally disabled children and adults.
Sharon was always a free spirit and garnered attention whenever she walked into a room. Always considered a beauty, she had a unique way of making others feel very special. She was witty with a wicked sense of humor, loved to laugh and was loyal to those she loved. Sharon will be deeply missed.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Col, Luther and Bonnie Burns of Vernon Parish, Louisiana, her son, Robert W, Krutz, Jr. of San Antonio, Texas, her first husband, Dr. Robert W. Krutz, Jr. originally of Belzoni, MS, and Dudley M. Matthews of San Antonio, Texas.
She is survived by her daughter Karen Krutz Horne Begley (Sam), Jackson, MS, her grandson, Christopher Dylan Horne (Vale) of Arvada, Colorado and her cousins, Sonya Ryland Millican and Rhett Ryland of Baton Rouge, LA, and Ronnie Burns (Laurilee) and Ann Jane Burns LaHood of Alexandria, LA.
Much appreciation is extended to The Rose Garden staff at The Orchard, especially to Lula.
A graveside service will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Vernon Parish, LA on October 26, 2024 at 2pm.
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Sharon Lenore Burns Matthews, visit the Tribute Store.
26
Oct
Laurel Hill Rd
Vernon Parish , LA 71446
Your browser may not work with certain site. Upgrade now.