Carol Ann Guthrie Burns was born on July 28, 1950, in Plano, Texas, to Durce
Guthrie, Jr. and Vera Mae Guthrie. The second of ten children, she grew up in the
Douglass Community and graduated from Plano High School in 1969. Carol
spent several decades in Plano, where she raised her two daughters. She worked
at Texas Instruments and later at Rockwell International where she dedicated 30 years before
retiring on February 28, 2002.

Carol's spiritual journey began in childhood, nurtured by her great-grandparents,
grandparents, and parents, who were devoted believers and great examples for her and her
siblings. She fondly remembered attending the Methodist Church with her grandparents and
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church with her parents, where she was baptized. In 1992, she fully
surrendered her life to God, embarking on a journey of unwavering faith and service. At
Shiloh, Carol served in numerous ministries, including the Missionary Society, Choir, Youth
Usher Board, Sunday School, Executive Board, and Expansion Committee. She also spent
several years in an intensive group study of the books of Matthew and Acts, along with
spiritual warfare.

Answering God's call, Carol began her missionary journey in 2002, ultimately relocating to
Manassas, Virginia. She exercised her gifts at Manassas Baptist Church and Mount Olive
Baptist Church in Centerville, where she served in roles including Acting Director and
Assistant Director of S.A.L.T. and Sunday School teacher, respectively. In 2004, she began
volunteering in her community, offering her time to the Prince William County libraries and
the American Red Cross during Hurricane Katrina.

In 2006, Carol joined First Mount Zion Baptist Church, where she served willingly and
fervently as an Associate Minister, Trustee, Mass Choir Member, Music Ministry Librarian,
and roles in numerous other ministries such as the Women's Ministry, Seniors' Ministry,
Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Pastor's Aide Ministry. Carol was deeply devoted,
contributing to church anniversary committees, the Archives Ministry, and community
outreach programs.

Carol's commitment to studying the Word of God remained steadfast throughout her life. In
2023, at the age of 72, she earned a Diploma in Theology from Leland Seminary. Later that
year, she delivered her initial sermon and became a licensed minister. Her own words
beautifully encapsulate her legacy:

"When you see me, you're seeing obedience to the call – the willingness to serve, because I
love the Lord God with all my heart, with all my mind, with all my soul, and with all my
strength."

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Durce Guthrie, Jr. and Vera Mae Johnson; her
stepfather, Herbert Johnson; her brothers, Kenneth Bradford, Christopher Bradford, and Van
E. Guthrie; and her sisters, Viola Searcy and Samella McKinzie.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Anissa Guthrie and Adrienne Hackney
(Wayne); her grandchildren, Cyanne, Caleb, and Olivia Hackney; her sisters, Charlene Jones
(Jerryln) and Gay Lewis (Barry, Sr.); her brothers, Barry Bradford (Karen) and Brent
Bradford; her brother-in-law William "Frank" McKinzie, and numerous cousins, nieces,
nephews, and friends.