Virgil Antonio Youngblood Burns

It is with great sadness that the Burns family announces the death of Virgil Antonio Youngblood Burns. Virgil passed away unexpectedly at age 55 on September 25, 2021, at his home in Greensboro, NC. Virgil was born on May 19, 1966, in Washington, D.C., the son of Martin Eugene and Jacqueline Lorraine (Scott) Burns. He spent most of his life between Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio. Virgil graduated from Walnut Ridge High School, Class of 1985. Following graduation, he continued his education by obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Services and a Child Development Technology Certificate from Central State University (Class of 1989). He continued his desire to help others, especially youth, by obtaining an Education Teaching Certificate in Math from the University of Cincinnati and doing volunteer youth work. While juggling classes and working parttime he met the love of his life, Khristanya (Khristy/Khris) Jones. They were sales associates at Lazarus Department Store and were introduced by another sales associate. They dated for six years and married October 2, 1993. They would have celebrated 28 years in October. The couple had one son, Jaylen Antonio Youngblood Burns. Virgil adored Jaylen. In Jaylen’s early years, he worked a variety of jobs and shifts so that he could stay home during the day with Jaylen while Khristy worked. Most recently they moved to Greensboro, NC, to further support Jaylen’s education. Virgil loved his food and cooking. In 2019, he received a degree in Culinary Arts - Mobile Catering and Food Truck Management. His goal was to open a small family diner with Khristy providing the baked goods. Virgil was becoming well known amongst friends for his cooking in Greensboro. Virgil was energetic and lived life to the fullest. He had a sense of humor that lit up any room and had a gift to make people feel at ease. He rose to meet the challenges in his life, actively pursuing happiness. He played several sports – soccer, recreation basketball, track– just to name a few. His most recent venture was pickleball where he developed many lasting friendships. He had a strong faith in God, having grown up in the AME Zion Church, participating in boy scouts, usher board, and children’s choir. Surviving in addition to his wife, son, and parents, are his sister, Natasha Antoinette Burns, niece Shefali Ferguson, Uncles Bernard Scott (Joyce), Ronald Scott, Richard Scott (Juanita), Robert Burns (Diana), God-sister Francis Washington Rembert, mothers in-law Dorothy Jones and Nancy Kops Jones, sisters in-law Raquel Atawo (Toby and nephew Dominic) and Renee Kops Jones (niece Isabella and nephew Jackson), and many cousins and long-lasting friends who were very important to him. Service of remembrance on Saturday, October 2, 2021, in Columbus, OH. Those who wish to remember Virgil can send cards to 606 Rachel Smothers Dr., Greensboro, NC 27455. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Central State University, Wilberforce, OH, 45384, General Scholarship Fund in Virgil’s memory. He will be remembered every day by his family and friends.