Mrs. Kathleen S. Burns

Mrs. Kathleen Shell Burns

February 16, 1955 – July 21, 2026

Mrs. Kathleen Shell Burns, 71, of Greenville, South Carolina, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at her residence.

Born February 16, 1955, in Greenville County, Kathleen was the daughter of the late Dolphus and Bessie Mae Shell.

Kathleen was a woman of deep faith with a heart that always seemed to have room for everyone. She showed up for those she loved, celebrated their accomplishments, and took tremendous pride in her family. Her sons and grandchildren were among her greatest joys.

Her faith in Jesus was at the center of her life and was evident to everyone who knew her. Her family will forever remember her joyful spirit, her sweet laugh, her warm smile, and, of course, her familiar “Amens” and “Praise Jesuses!” Her warmth, faith, and unmistakable joy will be deeply missed.

Kathleen shared her life with her devoted husband, Charles Eugene Burns. She was his beloved “Babydoll,” and he was her “Charlie.” Through the years, their devotion to one another was unmistakable, especially in the tender and loving way Charles cared for her.

In addition to her husband, Kathleen is survived by her son, Octavius “Tay” Nelson and his wife, Sarah, of Fountain Inn, South Carolina; and her six grandchildren, Janiah, Bobby Jonathan, Lettie, Ephraim, Magnolia, and Jaymes.

She is also survived by her six sisters: Lena Mae Shell of Fountain Inn, South Carolina; Janie Ruth Edgerton of Asheville, North Carolina; JoAnn Smith and her husband, Willie, of Fountain Inn, South Carolina; Loree Christian of Beltsville, Maryland; Dorothy Rice of Clinton, South Carolina; and Reverend Clara Shell Little of Fountain Inn, South Carolina; her two brothers, Alonzo Shell of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, and Clifton Shell of Palm Springs, California; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dolphus and Bessie Mae Shell, and her beloved son, Bobby Louis Nelson, Jr.

Kathleen leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, and unconditional love. Though her family will miss her presence, her smile, her laughter, and the joy she brought into their lives, they find comfort in knowing that the Savior she loved and praised so faithfully throughout her life has welcomed her home.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, August 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Watkins, Garrett & Woods Mortuary, with interment to follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at Bobby’s BBQ in Fountain Inn, South Carolina.