Nancy Cook Burns

Nancy Cook Burns

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

Nancy Cook Burns departed her earthly life unafraid and with an open heart on September 21, 2026, at the age of 84. She was most known as “Nana” to not only her family but by all that she encountered. Nana’s generosity knew no bounds. Her beautiful soul was captivating, and she possessed a smile so radiating that it lit up any room she entered.

The funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, September 25, 2026, at Courtland Baptist Church with the family receiving friends one hour prior to the service.

Nana was born on July 15th, 1942, in Sledge, Mississippi to the late Ernie Dean Cook and Maggie Jordan Cook, graduated from Batesville High School in 1960 and was a lifelong resident of Panola County. Nana’s life was defined by selflessness, devotion, strength and grace. She was a devoted wife to the late William T. “Bill” Burns better know as “Punk” for 55 years, a proud and guiding mother to her only child, Sherry Burns Durham, a doting grandmother to her only grandchild, Maggie Williams Schiele and a pampering great grandmother to Beau Rawlings Johnson and Braxton Wallace Schiele.

Nana worked at Taylor Lumber Company for many years before joining “Punk” at Custom Sign Company which they founded and operated for over 40 years. She was awarded the Rotarian Paul Harris Fellow Award which is presented to persons who exemplify Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self”.

Blood never defined family for Nana. She was a faithful member of Courtland Baptist Church where she gave generously through the life of her congregation. She spent years helping shape the lives of young people in the church through her commitments to “Little Church” and Youth Choir.

Extending her definition of family, Nana found another “family” at her second home in Mountain View, AR. Her infectious love of people and music were enhanced and accepted by the community. She continued her generosity by opening her home and porch for “pickings” and her kitchen was always open. The true sense of “Neighbors” was nevermore present than at her home In Mountain View.

Nana also leaves behind two siblings, Donald Cook of Batesville, MS and Charlie Cook (Kay) of Courtland, MS along with her nephews, nieces, Church family, and a community of friends.

Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three siblings, Sarah Cook Barnett, Sid Cook, and Jean Roseberger and her longtime companion, Sue Brassell.

Nana’s song has ended, but the melody lingers on.