Jean Floriece Cheshier Burford


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Mar 18th, 2012

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  • Death Date: Mar 18, 2012

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Biography: Jean Floreice Cheshier Burford, of Little Rock died on Sunday, March 18, in Little Rock, AR. She was born in Willow, AR, on April 10, 1921, and was the daughter of William and Dora Mitchell Cheshier. Mrs. Burford was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Doyle, James, Dwayne, and Hazel Cheshier. She is survived by her husband, Learle Burford, three daughters, Janice Burford, Laura Maris (Bob), Belinda Stilwell (David) all of Little Rock; five grandchildren, Anna Maris Kirkes (Justin), Alex Stilwell, Erica Stilwell, Shannon Maris (Drake Danley), Wendy Maris Blackburn (Darren), and one great-grandson, Jack Danley. She is also survived by her sisters Loraine Horn, of Katy, TX, Anita Tucker of San Antonio, TX, and Virginia Jackson, of Palm City, FL. Surviving brothers are Jack Cheshier, of Magnolia, TX, Jimmy Cheshier of Kansas City, MO, and Bobby Cheshier (Carol) of Grants Pass, OR. Mrs. Burford served her country as a Staff Sergeant, Head of Records, during World War II in the United States Army. After the war, she attended Kilgore Junior College in Kilgore, TX where she was a Kilgore Beauty. While in Kilgore, her uncle taught her how to fly a Vultee BT-13 Valiant airplane used in World War II. Returning to Arkansas, she attended Draughon School of Business. While at Draughon?s, she met her future husband of sixty five years, Learle. Jean and Learle went on to become the owners of Draughon?s and worked side by side for many years. Mrs. Burford was an active member of Westover Hills Presbyterian Church where she served as an Elder. She served as the President of the Westover Hills Beacons for eighteen years and was Moderator of the Women of the Church during the Church?s Fiftieth Anniversary. She was a Lifetime Honorary Member of the Presbyterian Women, Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. While Mrs. Burford was very active in her working life and in her church, she always claimed her greatest accomplishments were having three wonderful daughters, and a strong, loving marriage. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren, who will be forever molded by her loving and generous nature. There will be a celebration of Mrs. Burford?s life at 11am on Thursday, March 22, 2012, at Westover Hills Presbyterian Church, Little Rock, officiated by Reverend Michael Kuner. Services are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Burford requested that memorials be made to Westover Hills Presbyterian Church of Little Rock or Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy (CARTI). In honor of Mrs. Burford?s sweet and caring nature, the family asks that you perform a good deed in her memory.

Condolences(13)
Peggy Young Seamon
#13
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Jan, so sorry for your loss. I remember your mother from Cotillion times many years ago. My sympathies and prayers are with you.
Michelle Fernald
#12
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Learle, Janice, Laura, and Belinda - It was an honor to have been a friend of your wife/mother. I only lived next door for five years, but there was an instant connection with Jean. I loved her dearly and am grieving with you. I pray for your peace. Please know that you were the most important gifts to Jean, and she so treasured each of you. My love to you all. Michelle.
mary stowe
#11
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I was 1 of mrs.Burford many students at Draughon's Business School in 1984-1985 i never walked in that door without her saying Goodmorning mary! how are you this morning?
she always had a smile on her face.my thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this very difficult time.God bless you all.
Bettye Cheshier Evans
#10
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and I wish I could be there with all of you. Aunt Jean was a very special lady and will be greatly missed. Love to all of you. Bettye
Carolyn Hardie
#9
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Burfords,
Your dear sweet mom will surely be missed by all the members of Westover Hills. She was one of those who cared and kept up with any and everyone in need. I appreciated so much her continued calls as Dick progressed in his illness.
You were a special family for so many years in his ministry. Know that many prayers are with you today as you mourn the loss of Jean.
Much love to all,
Carolyn Hardie
Anne Meeks Hoback
#8
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Learle, Jan, and family, It was an honor to know Jean. From my birth to adulthood, she was always so caring, happy to see me, and smiling. She was always an inspiration and wonderful role model. My love goes out to each of you, Anne Meeks Hoback
Lydia Boullioun
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
All my love,
Lydia Boullioun
Rita Mitchell-Harvey
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dearest Jan and family,

The grace of the Lord be with you at this impossible time. The legend of your amazing Mom literally glowed from the pages of the paper this morning. What an example to us all!

Her light reflects through all of you, her precious family. Surely, you must know how proud she was of ALL of you. Now she'll be your Guardian Angel forever.

Take care, and lots of love,
Rita Mitchell-Harvey, and Vic, in spirit
Betty and Carl Glenn
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Friends,
What a special lady Jean was! She and Learle have been such good friends to Carl and me and to my late parents. Please know that you are loved and are being lifted up in prayer at this time.
Betty and Carl Glenn
Travis and Nancy Massey
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We are very sorry for your loss and you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Margie Akins (coworker of Belinda Stilwell)
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God must have been ready for another angel. May the good Lord bring you peace and comfort in your time of sorrow.
Dorothy Staggs
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Jan,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless and strengthen you at this time.
Sam Sellers, Home Helpers
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
It was truly a distinct honor to serve this beautiful family. Our prayers are with you all.

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