Verma M. (Burk) Horne

Verma M. (Burk) Horne, 72, of Natick, MA, passed away peacefully in the presence of her husband on March 5, 2025. She was the beloved wife of James Horne Sr., with whom she shared 52 wonderful years of marriage.

Born on December 12, 1952, in Jackson, MS, to the late Jury and Mamie Burk, Verma graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Education from Jackson State University, where she twirled the baton for the marching band.

She moved to Massachusetts and dedicated her life to raising a family alongside James, raising five children and three stepchildren. Verma spent over 25 years working in accounting administration at Harvard University, where she retired in 2010. Throughout her incredible life, she wore many hats—Deaconess, Sunday school teacher, and den mother for the Cub Scouts, to name a few. She was always actively involved in her children's activities, and her deep love and care for them shone through in everything she did.

Verma was known for her thoughtfulness and genuine concern for others. She had a kind heart and embraced every opportunity to help both friends and strangers. She often placed others’ needs first, going above and beyond to lend a hand. Above all, Verma cherished spending time spoiling her grandchildren whenever the opportunity arose.

Devoted to her faith, Verma was a passionate evangelist who took great joy in sharing the Word of God. She helped more than a dozen people come to Christ through baptism, and her unwavering devotion to the Lord was a cornerstone of her life.

Verma is survived by her loving children: Kesha Fortson (John) of Clarksville, TN, Queen Brown (Olujimi) of Ashland, MA, Jason Horne (Hanifa Nataba) of Newton, MA, Edward Horne (Melissa) of Framingham, MA, Nancy Horne of Natick, MA, Pam MacLearn of Long Beach, CA, Susan Parks (Michael) of Huntsville, AL, and James Horne Jr. of Gloucester, MA. She was the cherished sister of Delois Trigg, Curtis Burk, David Burk, Michael Burk, Carolyn Mabry, Jewel Burse, Ricky Burk, and the late Joe, Steve, and Lula. She leaves behind many sisters and brother in laws. Verma was also loved by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, including: (Kesha) Christopher, Breana, Keyana, Andrea, Abram, Ella, Isaiah, and David; (Queen) Obi, Naima, and Asha; (Jason) Jason, Zoey, and Zara; (Ed) Lulabelle; (Nancy) Xaiver; (Pam) Dania, Datia, Elrawd, Jeremiah, Ezraw, Elleana, Emmette, Simeon, Neese, Uriah, and Ethan; (Susan) Corey (deceased), Christina, Ronnie, Michaela, Maya; (James Jr.) Jayda and Hannah.

Verma's generous spirit, kind heart, and delightful laugh will be remembered fondly and deeply missed by all who knew her.

A service to celebrate Verma’s life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, Natick Common. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment will follow at Dell Park Cemetery, Natick. A Funeral Repast will follow the burial at the Morse Tavern in Natick at 85 East Central St. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, from 4–7 p.m. at the funeral home.

For directions and to sign the guest book, please visit www.everettfuneral.com.

VERMA'S FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE LIVESTREAMED ON SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2025 BEGINING AT 10:30 AM.

PLEASE CLICK THE LINK TO VIEW THE LIVESTREAM: Event Live Streaming | Harborview.live | Massachusetts

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