Mrs. Cora Gaskins Burrus was a beloved grandmother, mother and wife and friend during her incredible 85 years of life.
Cora passed away on Tuesday September 8th, 2021, at home surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy.
An Ocracoke native she was born March 18, 1936, to late George Mathais and Iola O’neal Gaskins, with a sister Euphemia Ennis, a brother that died at birth John W. Gaskins, and late brother Zora Bable Gaskins.
Cora Louise married Allonzo Orlando Burrus Jr. on November 20th, 1951 and lost the love of her life in 1996 after 45 years of marriage. Cora and Alonzo had three children, Karen, Lonnie Ray, and Johnny. Cora was preceded in death by her husband, Alonzo Orlando Burrus Jr., a son John (Johnny) Willis Burrus and a brother Zora Bable Gaskins.
Cora’s surviving family include her daughter, Karen Burrus Strickland, and husband A.C, son Lonnie Ray Burrus and wife Debbie, a sister Euphemia Ennis, Sister-In-Law Mable Gaskins and nieces Valerie Mason and Candy Gaskill.
Also surviving Cora are seven grandchildren; Tabatha, Tina, Christopher, Bonnie, April, Josh, and Zach along with eight great-grandchildren; Makenzie, Kylee, Macaela, Wyatt, Aiden, Audrey, Nora Kate and Josiah along with other family and amazing friends.
Cora was a longtime member of the Ocracoke United Methodist Church. She enjoyed spending time with family, dancing at the senior center, watching her birds, cooking and meeting her friends at Bojangles for a biscuit and great conversation.
A graveside service will be held for friends and family in Ocracoke on Saturday, November 13th at 2:00pm located in the Garrish-Gaskins-Jackson-O’Neal Cemetery.
