Katie Burns Obituary

Kathryn "Katie" Briggs Rogers Burns, beloved wife of James Worth Burns III, passed away peacefully at her home on August 1, 2025, after a courageous battle with cervical cancer. Katie was born in Decatur, Alabama on April 26, 1978, the daughter of Elizabeth "Beth" Buchanan Rogers and Jonathan "Jack" Polk Rogers, Jr. In 1984, her family moved to Richmond, Virginia. Growing up, Katie enjoyed weekly dance lessons, playing the piano, riding horses, and playing field hockey. She graduated from Midlothian High School in 1996. She went on to Auburn University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 2000. While a student at Auburn, Katie was a member of Phi Mu Sorority, where she met lifelong friends. After graduating from Auburn, Katie moved to Atlanta to start her career at APL Logistics and later she worked at Strategic Benefits Solutions. While living in Atlanta, Katie met the love of her life, Worth Burns, who also happened to be from Richmond. In 2004, Katie and Worth married and shortly afterwards, the couple moved back to their hometown of Richmond to begin their married life together. While in Richmond, Katie continued to work remotely for Strategic Benefits Solutions during a time when working from home was rare and unconventional. This was a testament to her work ethic and how deeply she was valued by her company. She continued to work full-time after starting her family, but she eventually resigned to focus on being a full-time mother. Three of their four children were born while Katie and Worth lived in Richmond. Katie loved being a full-time mom to babies and young children. She spent her days raising Jake, Sadie, and Eliza. She also enjoyed spending time with old and new friends, participating in book clubs, volunteering with the Junior League of Richmond, and going to Zumba classes. In 2014, Katie and Worth relocated to Greenville, South Carolina and in 2016, they welcomed their fourth child, Jane, who rounded out their family of six. Louie, her angel fur baby, joined the family shortly after Jane was born. Katie and Worth immersed themselves in the Greenville community. They became active members at Christ Church Episcopal, where Katie taught Sunday School, volunteered for Vacation Bible School, and served as the parent liaison for the church's Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) program. She was also a member of a small group at Christ Church, where she met dear friends and enjoyed both social and service activities. Katie was an active member of the Greenville chapter of the National Charity League (NCL), a mother-daughter philanthropy organization. NCL provided various opportunities for Katie and her daughters to volunteer together helping local nonprofit organizations. Katie also found time to be an active volunteer at all of her children's schools. She served on the Executive Board of the PTSA at Beck Academy Middle School, where she eventually was the PTSA president. She was an active volunteer for many years at Oakview Elementary School and she was a member of the JL Mann High School Booster Club. Katie spent many nights watching Jake play basketball and she spent countless hours timing swim meets for her girls. Watching her kids do what they loved brought her great joy. In her spare time, Katie enjoyed playing pickle ball with friends, reading, playing mahjong, and taking family trips to Hilton Head Island and Ocean Isle Beach. She also loved family tailgates in Auburn and cheering on her Auburn Tigers. Auburn pride runs deep in Katie's family and she passed this love onto her children. War Damn Eagle! In 2019, she discovered a new passion for playing tennis. Over the past six years, Katie has been a member of many tennis teams. While she was a gracious opponent, she always kept her competitive spirit. She was loved both on and off the court. To her friends, Katie was the life of the party- the one who brought the fun and the laughter wherever she went. Her presence made every gathering brighter. Katie was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, and friend-but above all, she was the most extraordinary and beloved mother to her four children. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Life was always brighter with Katie in it. Her life was a reflection of fun, grace, compassion, and unwavering faith. May her memory continue to guide us, and may her legacy be a blessing to all who knew her. Katie is survived by her husband of almost 21 years, James Worth Burns, III; her children, James "Jake" Worth, Sadie Anne, Elizabeth "Eliza" Briggs, and Jane Alexander; her parents, Jonathan "Jack" Polk Rogers, Jr. and Elizabeth "Beth" Buchanan Rogers; her brother, Jonathan Clay Rogers (Amanda); her in-laws, James Worth Burns, Jr. and Eleanor Kornahrens Burns; her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Burns Zimmerman (Jarrett); her brother-in-law, David Miller Burns (Maureen); eights nieces and nephews, Eloise and Lane Rogers, Gray, Mary Caroline, Burns, and George Zimmerman, Miller and Emmy Burns; two aunts, Pam Kent and Alexandra McGrath; two first cousins, Stephanie McGrath and Elizabeth Weatherly; and a host of cousins that she dearly loved. Katie was predeceased by her grandparents, Jonathan and Alexandria Rogers and Elizabeth and Edward Buchanan; and her mother-in-law, Anne Miller Burns. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to all of Katie's caregivers, including VIA Health Hospice and all of the wonderful staff at Prisma Oncology, led by Dr. Jeff Edenfield and Dr. Larry Puls. The family is grateful for the love and community support they have received over the past two-and-a-half years. They are especially thankful for the support shown by the local nonprofit, Let There Be Mom, and the support shown recently at the USTA Thornblade Charity Tennis Classic, held in Katie's honor. The overwhelming support the family has received on Katie's behalf is a reminder that her legacy will continue through all who knew her. The strength of Katie's community has been a true blessing to her family. A graveside service will be held at Regan Cemetery near Dillon, South Carolina, on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. The memorial service will be on Thursday, August 7th at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Church Episcopal in Greenville, South Carolina. Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Livestream by clicking on the "WATCH EVENT" button located in the Services section. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Let There Be Mom or Christ Church Episcopal, 10 N. Church St., Greenville, SC 29601 in memory of Katie Rogers Burns. Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Katie with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".