Sylvia "Jene" J. Burris

Sylvia “Jene” J. Burris, age 85, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at her residence.

Ms. Burris was born on October 8, 1940, in San Diego, California, to the late James G. Brown and Ethel L. Long. In 1959, she married Jesse Burris in Texas, and together they shared many years of love and family. Jene retired from K-Mart in Fresno, California, after many years of dedicated employment. Prior to that, she worked in the cotton and alfalfa fields and was also employed by Dela, a grenade manufacturing company.

Jene was a woman who found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved sewing and weaving and enjoyed spending her leisure time playing games such as solitaire. She was an avid reader who also had a deep love for music and dancing. Above all, Jene cherished the time she spent with her family and loved ones.

She is survived by her loving children, Ray (Kathy) Burris, Annette (Lonnie) Allen, Joseph Burris, and Lena (Eddie) Rich; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Lena Maxine Bingham; and sister-in-law, Maria Burris.

Jene was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Jesse Burris; her son, Robbin Burris; and her siblings, Josephine Brown, W.C. Brown, Bill Brown, Fred Brown, and Ponce Bingham.

There are no services scheduled at this time. Cremation will take place in accordance with the family’s wishes.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, Indiana.