Margaret W. Burns

April 14, 1941 – May 5, 2026

Margaret W. Burns passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Born on April 14, 1941, to Joe and Caroline Watkins, Margaret lived a life rooted in faith, love, strength, and devotion to her family.

A faithful and dedicated employee, Margaret served Wake Forest University for 30 years until her retirement. She took great pride in her work and treasured the many relationships she built throughout her career.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Caroline Watkins; her former husband, Walter Lee Burns; her brother, Paul Watkins; her daughter, Rogina Burns; her son, Gregory Burns; and her grandsons, Justin Burns and Joshua Martin.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving daughter, Katrina Burns Wheeler of Charlotte, North Carolina; her granddaughters, Katrice Jackson Williams (Travis) and her mother, Tangala Jackson, of Spring Lake, North Carolina; Ashley Wheeler Saunders (Shawn) of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Kayla Burns of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

She also leaves behind her beloved great-grandchildren: LeNaria Crockett, Lauryn Saunders, Shawn Saunders, Kayson Griffin, Ryan Saunders, Kobe Griffin, Nolan Saunders, Bella Mock, and Bailey Mock.

Margaret is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Priscilla Burns, Linda Chambers, Blondie Burns, and Cindy Burns; her brothers-in-law, Carl Burns, Myron Burns, and Thomas Burns; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her dearly.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to those who assisted in Margaret’s care, including Charlene Russell of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the staff of Autumn Care of Cornelius, and the staff of VIA Health Partners. Your compassion, care, and support were deeply appreciated.

Margaret was more than a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was the foundation of her family. Strong, selfless, faithful, and full of grace, she devoted her life to loving and caring for those around her. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren knew her as a source of strength, wisdom, comfort, and endless love. Being with her family brought her the greatest happiness, and the love she poured into them will continue for generations.

She leaves behind a legacy of grace, faith, compassion, and unconditional love. To her family, she was a guiding light whose wisdom and prayers carried them through life’s joys and challenges.

Mother, thank you for showing us what grace looks like, what faith looks like, and what a true woman of God looks like. Your love has shaped our family, and we are forever grateful to call you Mother. We love you more than words could ever say. We would give anything for one more hug, one more laugh, one more “I love you,” or one more chance to see your beautiful smile. We will love you forever.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Friday, May 22, 2026 at Davis Chapel on the Campus of Wake Forest University, 1834 Wake Forest Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 10:30am until 11:00am on Friday at the Chapel.