Couple Provides Generous Gift to Community in Honor of Husband's Late Parents

This summer, a Middle Tennessee couple Russ and Allison Burns provided a generous gift to the community in honor of Russ's late parents, James and Allison Burns.“I wanted to give back to the community that raised me,” said Russ. This $100,000 gift through the Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation will support the mission of the Ascension Medical Group Saint Thomas Saint Louise Family Medicine Center to provide high-quality and affordable care for Murfreesboro's most vulnerable and at-risk residents. The newly established James P. and Alice R. Burns Saint Louise Clinic Fund will support patients by providing them access to health services such as dental, vision, hearing, durable meds, health condition coaching, and behavioral health assistance. In addition, the contribution may provide care to those without insurance who struggle financially, emotionally, and spiritually.

James Burns was devoted to his Christian faith and family and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. After two years of serving our country in the army, James went into the construction field as a project superintendent. He spent many years overseeing construction sites for a variety of healthcare and retail facilities. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. James passed away on his 84th birthday, August 16, 2013.

Alice Burns was also a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Women's Auxiliary at Rutherford Hospital, now Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, and Charity Circle of Murfreesboro. She was known for her hospitality, especially during the holidays with family and friends. She was an exceptional artist and had a love for her garden. Alice amazed her family with gifts of encouragement, creative talents, devotion to marriage and family, and her love for Jesus. Alice passed away at the age of 86 on May 27, 2019.

“We are beyond thankful for the contribution Russ and Alice have given to the Rutherford foundation in honor of his parents,” said Virginia DeJean, Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation Director. “James and Alice were instrumental in the early days of our hospital and community, this gift will bridge the gap in healthcare for those struggling most.”

Russ and Alice Burns are both graduates of Middle Tennessee State University. They reside in the Nashville community and have one son, Tyler. They have provided this generous donation in hopes of creating opportunities for others.