Murrells Inlet: Lora Evie Burns Thomas (Nicknamed "Burnsie") died peacefully at home on February 5, 2022, in Murrells Inlet, SC. She is survived by four sons, William Henry Thomas III (Ginger) of Simpsonville, SC; Robert Burns Thomas (Nancy) of Fountain Inn, SC; Steven Clyde Thomas "Stevie" of Ridgeland, SC; and David Beaty Thomas (Barbara) of Murrells Inlet, SC; Two grandchildren, Beaty Thomas (Angela) of Spartanburg, SC, and Lora Thomas of Mt. Pleasant, SC; Four great-grandchildren: Valley, Baxter, Colin, and Susana Thomas; and several beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Carolyn Thomas Lively of Waynesboro, GA, has been a special friend. Lora Evie Burns (Burnsie) was born July 9, 1925, in Sanford, NC, to Clara and William Clyde Burns. She was predeceased by her brother, Dr. William Clyde Burns of Whiteville, NC. Her parents moved to Orangeburg, SC, where she attended Ellis Avenue Grammar School, and graduated from Orangeburg High School in 1942. She graduated from Coker College, Hartsville, SC, where she majored in Education. She first taught in Georgetown City Schools, Georgetown, SC. She married and had four sons. After the oldest son was in college, Burnsie went back to school at Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC, to study what was then called Special Education (Special Needs) and received her Master's Degree in Elementary Education. She was adamantly devoted to advancing opportunities for the full development of the mentally challenged. She devoted her work towards helping those who were unable to help themselves, serving on committees at local and state levels. Burnsie later returned to teaching in the public schools, and at age 64, she renewed her teaching certificate with study at the University of Oxford in England. Burnsie was a Red Cross Water Safety instructor where she taught swimming and water safety. She was active in civic and community affairs including: Member of Senior Scholars, President of Friends of the Georgetown County Library, President of Kensington PTA, President of Association for Retarded Children, Charter member of Francis Asbury Sunday School Class where she organized the Golden Anniversary of the class; Leader for United Methodist Women; Member of the Georgetown Garden Club, and Secretary of the Ribbon Dance Club. She attended St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Orangeburg and Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church in Georgetown. After her retirement Burnsie satisfied her travel lust with trips to numerous countries of Europe, Mid-East, Africa, Caribbean, British Isles, and around the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. In 1988, Burnsie moved to The Methodist Oaks, a retirement community in Orangeburg, SC. There she made a beautiful garden at her home and enjoyed many activities at The Oaks and in Orangeburg. She had wonderful Christian friends and worshipped God in the lovely Nancy Stringer Chapel on the campus of the Oaks. Burnsie was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved the Lord Jesus, and she was faithful to her church and family. The Home-Going Service will be held at Pawleys Island Chapel in Pawleys Island, SC, on Friday, February 11, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Sign a guest book at www.mayerfuneralhome.com Memorials may be made to Epworth Children's Home of Columbia, South Carolina, OR a charity of your choice. The Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home is assisting the family.