Janet (Sheffield) Burns

Janet Ruth Sheffield Burns, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, passed away peacefully in her home on November 26, 2025, after a courageous battle against cancer.

Janet was born at the old Ridgeland Hospital on January 16, 1948, to Norris and Mildred Sheffield. She graduated from Hardeeville High School in 1966 and continued with her education to earn her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, in 1971.

Being a devoted mother to her four children was Janet’s greatest joy in life, which only increased as she became “Mee-Maw” to nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She loved spending time with her family and especially enjoyed baking with her grandchildren and teaching them one of her favorite pastimes: crabbing.

Once her children were grown, Janet went back to work and taught kindergarten for 15 years at Largo-Tibet Elementary School in Savannah, GA. She took pride in her profession and made countless friends among the faculty and staff.

Janet enjoyed life to the fullest and was always ready for an adventure. She loved to travel, especially to the mountains of western North Carolina. She loved cooking and sending love (in the form of baked goodies) to friends and family. Lucky recipients knew that she was an excellent cook. Janet also loved home canning- she canned everything she could get her hands on. Over the years she canned thousands of jars of fruits, vegetables, relishes, spaghetti sauce, and more. She loved her time living in Vidalia, GA, where she made wonderful friends and could always find fresh fruits and vegetables to can. She took self-reliance seriously and was always prepared for any storm or difficult times.

Janet was a woman of great faith. She loved the Savior and devoted her life to serving Him. She had a firm testimony of prayer, fasting, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served in many callings including Stake Primary President and Seminary Teacher. She loved her time teaching seminary because of the students- she adored them all. Janet’s enthusiasm for life, sense of humor, work ethic, and good heart made her a great example and friend to many. She cherished her friendships made through her church and her community.

Janet was preceded in death by her son, Michael Burns, and her infant brother, Norris Herman Sheffield, Jr.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Rusty (Julie) Burns, Jennifer Burns, Christopher (Melissa) Burns; daughter-in-law Kristi Burns; grandchildren Harrison (Brianna), Ryan (Tanner), Cassidy (Taran), Matthew, Joshua, Spencer, Cameron, Elizabeth, Margaret; great-grandchildren Ophelia and Jaxyn; sister Nancy Sheffield; brother Marlon Sheffield (Janet); nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Services will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 917 Grays Highway, Ridgeland, SC. Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm followed by funeral services at 3:00 pm. Burial will follow the service at Ridgeland Cemetery.

Those wishing to make a donation in Janet’s memory may donate to the Humanitarian Aid Fund. Checks can be made payable to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (memo: Humanitarian Aid Fund, Janet Burns) and mailed to Bishop Tony McGeary, 166 Taylor Mill Rd, Ridgeland, SC 29936.

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