Heather was born on September 27, 1976. She attended Oklahoma University, Langston University and earned her Associates Degree in Mass Communications from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami Oklahoma. Heather realized at an early age that the self-enlightening process of education would be a key component to both her personal, professional and spiritual life. Although her years were few her accomplishments were many. From advocating voter registration to involvement in Environmental Protection to being chosen as Oklahoma Sickle Cell Foundation Poster Child from 1988-1989 Heather dedicated her life to God, her church, her family, her friends and continuing education. In 2003 Heather was awarded the Triumphant Adult Award for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Oklahoma.
Music, dance and praise played an integral role in Heather’s life. At a young age she began dancing at Miss Helen’s Dance School. She later competed in the Black and Gold Pageants at Oklahoma University. Heather achieved the Gold Award in Girl Scouts of America, modeled for the Oklahoma Sickle Cell Foundation and First Baptist Church North Tulsa, and supported the African American Society. Heather’s love of gospel music, religious musicals, worship and praise and religious concerts was inspiring. She was a senior at Langston University when she experienced the complications of Sickle Cell.
On January 24, 2009 Heather’s life ended. In memory of our daughter and to continue the mark Heather’s life has left on the Oklahoma community, we are honored to establish the HEATHER BURNS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND. This fund has been created to provide students that suffer with Sickle Cell Anemia, and other physical, mental, social, and economical challenges the opportunity to further their education and pursue their dreams.
Samuel and Patricia Burns
