Cecelia Burns Travis
What do you remember about Cecelia Burns? Share your stories and photos here, and invite others to come share their memories.
Celie passed away peacefully at the home she loved with her son and daughter by her side. Celie was loved by everyone who knew her. She possessed a servant's heart, loved unconditionally, and always put others before herself. Her infectious laugh made everyone smile. She continually lifted others up with her kind, encouraging words. Celie was an optimist who found joy in the small things.
Celie grew up in Copperhill, Tennessee. In high school, she had the wonderful opportunity to live with her older sister and her family in Nashville, and attend Harpeth Hall, a school Celie loved. Abounding in courage and adventure, Celie later opted to spend her senior year of high school at a new school in New Jersey, in order to be with her mother and father before heading off to college.
Celie loved her four years at Mary Baldwin College, and made many lifelong friends. She then moved to Atlanta, where she and her Mary Baldwin friends enjoyed living in Colonial Homes.
In 1969, Celie married Mike Travis, and together they raised two children, Hallie and Britt. Due to Mike's career, the family moved often, but Celie worked hard to establish a loving home and acclimate the kids into their new environment. The family settled in Atlanta for two decades. There, Celie delighted in the kids' activities, walked with neighborhood friends, enjoyed Friday night family dinners at U.S. Bar & Grill, and spent time with family on the lake. Celie later served as a teacher at Brown Elementary School while raising two teenagers.
In 1998, Mike and Celie moved to DeBordieu in Georgetown, South Carolina. Celie became entrenched in the community, serving on the Good Friends Board, working with Ruby's Kids, and participating in Garden Club. Celie was a very active member of All Saints Church, where she participated in Bible studies and served as a Bible study leader. For more than a decade, she was a member of the Altar Guild, devoting many weekends to preparing the church for Sunday services. Celie also brought communion to church members' homes when they were unwell and could not attend church.
Celie enjoyed long lunches, book clubs, exercise classes, and wine gatherings with her many beloved friends. She cherished her four grandchildren and worked hard to make each holiday and family gathering special. She loved hosting "Gran Camp" and created the week's agenda especially suited to each grandchild.
Celie faced her illness in typical "Celie fashion," with courage, strength, and a concern for others. Celie, a loyal and devoted mother, wife, sister and friend, will be greatly missed. She is survived by her children, Hallie (Kipp) and Britt, as well as four grandchildren: Caroline and Harrison Banker of Charlotte, and Rankin and Burns Travis of Charleston; sister Betty (Ed) Davies and nephews and their families in Tennessee; and her best friend of 50 years, Natalie Moore. Details of her memorial service at All Saints Church are forthcoming.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Celie's honor at: Amedisys Foundation, 402 Singleton Ridge Road, Suite C, Conway, SC 29526.
Please sign a guestbook at: www.mayerfuneralhome.com.
The Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home is assisting the family