Olivia Burns Dark

Frances Olivia Burns Dark passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at St. Joseph of the Pines, Southern Pines, NC. Olivia was born June 17, 1927. She was a member of Mt. Vernon Springs Presbyterian Church. Born and raised in Goldston, NC, Olivia grew up working in her father's store, The Farmer's Union Store, in Goldston. While working there, she met and later married the love of her life, Paul Dark. Paul was the route salesman for Cheek's Candy Distribution in Goldston and delivered candy to their store. After marriage, Olivia moved to Paul's home place in Mt. Vernon Springs, NC. Together, they raised poultry for Townsend, Black Angus cows, the biggest figs you have ever seen, fresh chicken eggs, the most beautiful green hydrangeas and a bountiful garden of vegetables every year. Paul passed away January 21, 2011. They were a team and are now back together again. She was known by her nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends as O'livia (with a long O), Spud and Aunt Owee. Olivia could make a fabulous fruitcake - a nephew had to make the purchase of the Rock & Rye at the liqueur store because she wouldn't dare cross the threshold. She is an end of an era for the Burns family. She was the youngest of five children. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, brother and a great-nephew; Fred W. and Eliza Moses Burns; Ena Burns, Goldston, NC; Emily Burns Valas, Pitman, NJ; Azile Burns Mock, Mocksville, NC; Mary Fola Burns McInnis, Norman, NC; Addison Burns, Goldston, NC and Todd McInnis, Norman, NC. Though small in stature, Olivia was a strong woman with a huge heart, a big smile and an unforgettable, sweet voice; a voice that will be missed as much as her presence. We will never forget, "Well, anyway and anyhow" and "Naw". She loved to burn the phone lines up with her dear friends, Ruby "Pee Wee" Heritage and Wilma Gunter. Olivia could always be found in her Bermuda shorts, sleeveless cotton shirts that were pressed by the sun on the line in the porch, and Keds rimmed in red clay from working in the garden. Olivia is survived by many that will miss her and most particularly, her nieces and nephews: Robert Valas of Wheaton, MD; Jane Valas, of Pitman, NJ and Patricia Valas of Lovettsville, VA; Fred Mock and Harry Z. Mock, both of Mocksville, NC; John McInnis of Norman, NC and Tom McInnis of Ellerbe, NC; great-nephews and niece: Jacob Mock of Spartanburg, SC; Dale McInnis of Rockingham, NC; Johnny McInnis of Norman, NC; Mary Anne McInnis Meacham of Rockingham, NC; great-great nieces and nephews: Ryan McInnis, Samantha McInnis, Maxine McInnis, Luke McInnis, Will Meacham and Olivia (Owee) Meacham. Olivia also leaves behind special neighbors, Nathan and Kathleen Conroy, and a wonderful roommate and friend, Myrtle McCallum. She was fond of her former roommates and friends Mattie Thomas and Mary Dunlap that have passed. The devotion and care from Susanne McInnis has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. She was Olivia's "Florence Nightingale" and Olivia looked forward to her visiting, their trips around town and her love. Finally, the family would like to thank all those that took care of her at St. Joseph of the Pines, in particular Vernell Fletcher. The family will receive friends Sunday, February 12, 2012 at Mt. Vernon Springs Presbyterian Church one hour prior to the 5:00 PM graveside service at the church. Memorials may be made to Mt Vernon Springs Presbyterian Church, PO Box 752, Siler City, NC 27344. Smith & Buckner is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com.