Johnnie "Liz" DeBurr's Precious Memories

Johnnie "Liz" Cyrus DeBurr was born on August 11, 1923 to the union of the late Johnny B. and Annie Hill Cyrus. She was the third of ten children. Mother Johnnie transitioned from her earthly home to her heavenly home on January 10, 2023 at her residence. Mother Johnnie confessed Christ at an early age and joined Jerusalem Baptist Church in Calhoun, LA. She was active and dutiful with Vacation Bible School, Senior Choir, Sunday School, and the Deaconess/Mothers' Auxiliaries until COVID-19 closed all churches. Thereafter, her health began to fade. She was overjoyed when the family won trophies on family and friends' day for greatest attendance and the largest amount of funds raised. Mother Johnnie attended Britton Rosenwald and Mineral Springs Schools located in western Ouachita Parish. Receiving her GED diploma before her last two children graduated from high school was another of her greatest joys. Her lifestyle and caring attitude definitely answered the question; "Where were you when I was hungry, needed clothing, and needed shelter?" She fed the hungry and sheltered the homeless. They could have been family or neighborhood individuals who had fallen on hard times. Mother Johnnie was a cook for several years at local cafes and youth camps but retired from West Monroe High School as a Custodian. In her late teens, she married Willie DeBurr. Thirteen children were born to this union, five girls and eight boys. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a "neighborhood" mother. Preceding her in death were her parents, Johnny B. and Annie Hill Cyrus; brothers - Deacon Calvin Cyrus, Deacon James C. Cyrus, Leon R. Cyrus, Samuel "SD" Cyrus, Coleman Cyrus sisters - Ruby C. Crawford, Dorice C. Toston, Helen Deloris M.C. Young; sons - James Sanders DeBurr and Doron DeBurr. Mother Johnnie leaves to cherish her loving memories: Betty J. Cox, of Folson, CA, Oneda DeBurr of Monroe, LA, Willie (Joyce) DeBurr of Monroe, LA, Muriel Anderson of Shreveport, LA, Johnny C. (Ruth) DeBurr of Monroe, LA, Sylvia DeBurr Bullard of Monroe, LA, Kenneth (Carol) DeBurr of Freemont, CA, Michael (Diana) DeBurr of Atlanta, GA, Delores Gayle DeBurr of Grand Prairie, TX, Dennis DeBurr and Gerald DeBurr of Monroe, LA; also sister Kettye Cyrus Robinson of Calhoun LA, daughter-in-law/love Cora DeBurr of Monroe, LA and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and the Standifer/Betty Street neighborhood group. Funeral services are Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Jerusalem Baptist Church, 990 Britton Rd., Calhoun, LA, Rev. D. Alfred L. Mack, Officiant. Masks are required. Visitation is Friday, January 20, 2023 at Hester Funeral in Monroe, LA, 1:00 - 5:00 PM.