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Official Obituary of

KENNETH BURNS

October 24, 2025
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KENNETH BURNS Obituary

Kenneth Burns was born March 3, 1971, in Chicago, Illinois. He is the son of Merida Garrett-Washington and the late Johnny Burns.
Kenneth accepted Christ into his life at an early age. Despite being nonverbal and autistic, Kenneth had a profound love for music.

Kenneth attended Misericordia, Arkansas Development Center, Pathfinders, and Arkansas Center for Independence, all centers for individuals with autism, where he consistently demonstrated exceptional behavior while learning real-life work skills until his passing. Among his favorite pastimes were riding in the car and dining out. Kenneth was full of life and loved by many.

He leaves to cherish his memories: mother, Merida Washington, and stepfather. Elihue Washington; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. 

KELLY SMITH FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 8424 Kanis Road, Little Rock, will be serving the Garrett and Washington families. Visitation 3-5 p.m. Friday, October 31st, at the funeral home's O.T. Smith & Sons Memorial Chapel, 11 a.m. Funeral Saturday, November 1st, at Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church, 421 W. 22nd Street, North Little Rock.
For more information, plant a "Living Memorial" Tree, sign online guest register, send flowers, cards, condolences, photos, gifts and light an "In Loving Memory Of" candle www.kellysmithfunerals.com * 501-612-5607. * The family would love to hear from you. 

 Poem  

"When Tomorrow Starts Without Me"

When Tomorrow Starts without me
Please Try to understand
That an angel came and called my name
And took me by the hand
The angel said my place was ready
In Heaven far above
And That I would have to leave behind
All those I Dearly Love
But When I walked through
Heaven’s Gates
I felt so much at home
When God looked down and
Smiled at me, and told me
“Welcome Home.”
So when Tomorrow starts without me,
Don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I’m right there in your heart.

 

*** SPECIAL NOTES ***  

Scroll down for  "SERVICE DETAILS",   to get updated time and location information. (The Wake, family hour and gathering of family and friends CAN mean all the same in some circumstances, PLEASE read "SERVICE DETAILS" to be correctly informed) 

Click on the     "TRIBUTE WALL (or GUEST BOOK)" button,  to LIGHT A CANDLE,  to ADD and SEE all photos, videos, and Words of sentiment.   Click on a photo to enlarge it. Then click the L or R arrow to see all photos. 

Click on the     "FLOWERS & GIFTS" button,  SO THAT YOU CAN SEND FLOWERS/CARDS/BLANKETS/GIFTS/PLANT A MEMORIAL TREE .  

Click on the     "DONATIONS" button,  IF YOU DESIRE TO GIVE TO A FAVORITE CHARITY .  

WE WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO CONTINUE TO LIGHT A CANDLE, UPLOAD PHOTOS AND SEND WORDS OF SENTIMENT ON THIS MEMORIAL PAGE THROUGHOUT THE DAYS, MONTHS AND YEARS TO COME. ESPECIALLY, DURING DAYS OF SPECIAL EVENTS, i.e. BIRTHDAYS, HOLIDAYS, ANNIVERSARY AND THEN ON DAYS WHEN YOU JUST WANT TO SAY SOMETHING TO OR ABOUT YOUR LOVED ONES FOR NO SPECIAL REASON.  (DESIGN AND COLORS CAN BE CHANGED)

THIS MEMORIAL PAGE WILL REMAIN ON OUR WEBSITE INDEFINITELY. DO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS, FEELINGS AND PHOTOS WITH THE FAMILY, THEY WILL APPRECIATE IT VERY MUCH.  

(We would also appreciate it if you will RATE us, on GOOGLE, and leave a comment on "TESTIMONIAL PAGE" of this MEMORIAL PAGE of your loved one)

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of KENNETH BURNS, please visit our floral store.


Services

Visitation
Friday
October 31, 2025

3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
OT SMITH & SONS MEMORIAL CHAPEL/KELLY SMITH FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES
8424 KANIS ROAD
LITTLE ROCK, AR 72204

Funeral Service
Saturday
November 1, 2025

11:00 AM
LEE CHAPEL A.M.E. CHURCH
421 W. 22ND (and Percy Machin)
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR 72114

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