Regina Burns

We are sad to announce the passing of Regina Burns of Albany, NY. She transitioned at age 68 on December 24, 2022, surrounded by her family. Regina Burns was born on October 25, 1954, in Birmingham, Alabama to Deaconess Velma Miller and the late Deacon Joseph Miller Jr. At the age of 2 years old, her family moved to Albany, New York during The Great Northern Migration. She graduated from The Doane Stuart School, attended Newton Academy of the Sacred Heart, now known as Boston College before receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the College of Saint Rose. 

Regina is the proud parent of Mashama Burns (Jamar), Albany, NY; Naimah Burns, Seattle, WA; Kabeer Burns (Latarsha), Bowie Maryland; and the late Shahid Burns. She was also a bonus mother to Guy Burns, Winston-Salon, NC. Regina believed all could be achieved through education and supported her children with their studies in primary school through college. 

She received Christ at an early age and was baptized at Union Missionary Baptist Church where she served as the Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, Primary Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, and member of the Missionary Ministry. Regina was known as an outspoken member of the Union congregation and did not mind a strong debate to exercise her love for God’s word.  

Regina loved to dance and claim the spotlight, breathing life into any party. She was known for doing the “James Brown” and bringing laughter and joy whenever a rhythm filled a room. Regina was an original member of Dancing with the Elders of the Trinity Institute. Regina’s fearless spirit drew her to activism, and she served on the Community Accountability Board and numerous other community organization. 
Regina was a person of conviction who did not mind sharing her knowledge of the word or sharing her friendship as well as her love for Jesus. 

Regina was a hard worker and during her journey, she often simultaneously worked three jobs to ensure her family’s needs were met. Due to illness, Regina took an early retirement in 2002 from National Grid. Even in her retirement Regina’s work did not stop. Regina was known throughout her North Albany community as someone who would help children with their schoolwork or help perspective scholars perfect their college applications. Her neighbors called on her to draft letters of recommendation and an array of writing projects that required a sharp mind and capable pen. Regina truly believed her pen was mighty and did not mind using it to help others or combat injustices in her community.

Regina leaves to cherish her memory her loving mother Deaconess Velma Miller; her children, Mashama, Naimah, Kabeer, and Guy; her sisters, Arndreia Goodbee (Lee), Shirley Foskey, Brenda Strickland, and Joanne Miller; her grandchildren, Mashama Lipscomb, Kallahda Hugee, Mashar Lipscomb, Jahvariah Lipscomb, Kalem Burns, Kamali Burns, and Saamiya Burns; her great-grandson Angelo Pompey; her Godson Marquez Burns and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Regina was predeceased by her brother George R. Miller (Lena). 

Regina’s small stature and huge personality will be dearly missed. 

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