Gladys Louise Burns

Gladys Louise Burns, 81, passed and went home to be with the Lord on November 21, 2025. She was born on August 16, 1944, in Russell, Kansas, to her birth parents Arthur Stewart and Hannah Herbal.

At the age of five, Gladys entered several foster homes before being divinely placed in the loving home of Rowland Tyler Sr. and Verl Tyler of Atchison, Kansas. There she was welcomed with love and remained a cherished part of her divinely appointed family for the rest of her life.

Gladys obtained her high school diploma in Atchison, Kansas, and attended Mt. Saint Scholastic College, where she completed her general education. She later earned an Associate’s degree in Fashion Merchandising. Dedicated to helping others, she worked with troubled teenage girls at Chillicothe Training School for Girls. She then became a Medical Secretary, capable of typing 115 words per minute, and was employed by the UMKC School of Medicine before retiring from OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City after more than 20 years of service.

At age 16, Gladys married George B. Kerford. To this union three children were born: George V. Kerford, Gina Yvette, and Gerri’ Yvonne. After five years, this marriage was dissolved.

Gladys later married Leonard Burns of Atchison, Kansas, and to this union a son, Lindley B. Burns, was born. This marriage lasted 18 years.

Gladys loved her family unconditionally and was always there when needed. She cared for them, mentored them, and supported them throughout their lives. Growing up during difficult times in the 1940s and living in multiple foster homes, she endured much as a child—yet she never complained. Her resilience shaped her into a fiercely independent, strong, and compassionate woman.

Gladys loved to paint and draw, and she enjoyed music deeply. She also delighted in good food, especially seafood, Asian cuisine, and pizza. Raised in the Motown era, she passed that love of music on to her children. The values she instilled in her children and grandchildren were to love all people without judgment and to show unconditional love. Her life motto was “Live and let live,” and she lived it by example, standing strong through every adversity.

Gladys confessed Christianity at an early age and continued to grow in her relationship with God through persistent study of the Scriptures. Her faith was unshakable. She faced her illness with strength and grace until it became unbearable during the last month of her life, yet she continued calling on Jesus until He took her home.

Gladys leaves to cherish her memory two daughters: Gina (Calvin) Scruggs and Gerri’ (Orlando) House, both of Oklahoma City; and her bonus daughter, Lynn Kerford; 12 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and her foster sister Cheryl Tyler and foster brother Rowland Tyler Jr. of Kansas City, Missouri and cherished memories of a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her divinely appointed parents, Rowland Tyler Sr. and Verl Tyler; and two sons, George V. Kerford and Lindley B. Burns.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone for their prayers and many acts of kindness during this time. Her strength and love will remain with us always.

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