Obituary of Alma "Idella" Burns

ALMA IDELLA BURNS, entered into this life on February 22, 1954 to Waldo Wilson and the late Mary Wilson in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Alma, also known as “Della”, was educated in the Philadelphia public school systems and graduated from Simon Gratz High school, class of “1972.” From the beginning, Alma “Della” accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. On August 4, 1979, she entered into holy matrimony with Mr. Frankie (Bilal) Burns. Out of their love became two children, Bilal Ibn Burns and Tiara Rose Burns. Alma “Della” Burns was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, niece and neighbor to all. Alma worked at Decision Data, she then became employed as a Crossing Guard for the 22nd District for over thirty years. She retired on February 22, 2012. “Sweet Della” as her friends and family would call her was, a loving, caring and giving person. She enjoyed family gatherings, hanging out with her peoples, Mama, Retta, and Diane, Donna, Butch and Richard, playing cards, having fun and most of all bowling. No one could beat her at bowling. “Sweet Della” had the highest score and remained undefeated. Alma Idella Burns was called home on Tuesday, December 2, 2014. She is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Wilson, and her brother, Ollie Bay Wilson. Alma leaves her family, not to mourn, but to encourage them to embrace life as it comes. She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Frankie (Bilal) Burns; her daughter, Tiara Rose Burns; her son, Bilal Ibn Burns; a special daughter-in-law, Sakita Burns; her father, Waldo Wilson Jr. (Catherine); one sister, Rita Wilson; five brothers, Lawrence Williams, Waldo ‘Pee-wee” Wilson, Ronald (Joshlyn) Dixon, Currigan “Curly” (Monica) Wilson, and Pastor Kenneth (Stephanie) Wilson; her god-daughter, Tiffany Washington; her grandchildren, Kwende, Lamir, Jaianah and Jayla; one grandchild on the way; a special aunt, Anna Ruth Harley; two uncles, Norman Harley, Sr. and Wilbert Williams; and a host of special nieces, nephew, cousins and friends. Loving Submitted, The Family