Elva Arbutus Smith 'Bo' Harris Burns, 83, Dies

Elva Arbutus Smith “Bo” Harris Burns, 83, of Douglasville, passed away Tuesday, April 9. She was born Jan. 30, 1930 in Hemphill, W.VA.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Donna Salisbury; parents, Fitzhugh and Mary Smith; brother, Hugh Smith; and sister-in-law, Pat Smith.

Mrs. Burns was a graduate of Concord College with a Bachelor of Science degree and Georgia State University with a Masters of Education degree. She was employed with the Atlanta Public School System at Ragsdale Elementary teaching first grade and later for Fulton County as a long term substitute. Mrs. Burns was a life-long teacher who loved working with children. She enjoyed writing children’s books and poetry, gardening, traveling, and playing bridge. Mrs. Burns was a member of the Community Christian Church in Fayetteville, Georgia, and Christian Women’s Fellowship of the Christian Church in Vero Beach, FL.

She is survived by her daughter, Peggy H. Walker of Douglasville, GA; son, Randall S. Harris and wife Catherine of Douglasville, GA; brothers, Grover Smith and wife Margaret of Hemphill, W.VA, Kenneth Smith and wife Delores of Lawrenceville, GA, Glen Smith and wife Lisa of Beckley, W.VA; 4 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

The family received friends at the funeral home on April 11. The funeral service was Friday, April 12, in the Rosehaven Chapel with her grandson Rev. Adam Walker and her son Randall Harris officiating. Interment followed at West Georgia Memorial Park.

Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305.

Express condolences or share a special memory at www.whitleygarner.com.

Arrangements by: Whitley Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home, Douglasville, GA 30134, 770-942-4246.