Obituary of Barbara L. Burnes-Elem

The sun rose on the life of Mrs. Barbara L. Burnes Elem on August 20, 1951 in Tucson, Arizona to Fred Burnes and Lennie Clark. The fourth of nine children, she had four brothers, Charles, Dennis, Vance and Terry and four sisters, Linda, Robin, Nadeen and Mardessa. As a child, she was always active and on the go. Educated in the public school system, she continued her education after high school at Pima College in Arizona. In the 1970s, she was a runner-up in the Miss Black Arizona Pageant. On Valentine's Day (February 14), 1987, Barbara was united in marriage with her lifelong sweetheart, Cornell, Elem, Sr. "They really loved each other even after all these years." No children were born to this union, but Barbara became a wonderful stepmother to Cornell, Jr. and Arnell. A woman of faith, Barbara was a member of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church where she actively helped with the Food Bank. A Machinist Specialist by profession, she was employed for many years with Xerox. She was known for hard work, fun to be around and always had a smile. In her free time, she enjoyed family, friends, laughing, singing and cooking. Her friends remember she was always the life of the party and was always available when they needed help. Her favorite color was pink, she liked R&B and blues music. Her love, big heart and generosity will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew and loved Barbara. The sun set on the life of Mrs. Barbara L. Burns Elem on August 30, 2014 when the Lord called her home to eternal rest. She is preceded in death by her father, brother, Terry and sister, Mardessa. Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Cornell Elem, Sr. of Aurora, CO; mother, Lennie Edwards of Los Angeles, CA; stepchildren, Cornell Elem, Jr. and Arnell Elem of Ft. Worth, TX; brothers, Charles Burnes of Watsonville, CA, Dennis (Trena) Burnes of Los Angeles, CA and Vance (Tammy) Burnes of Palmdale, CA; sisters, Dr. Linda (Logan) Burnes Bolton of Los Angeles, CA, Robin (Micelina) Burnes of Glendora, CA and Nadean Burnes of Phoenix, AZ; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relaives and friends. Rest in peace Barbara