Mercedena V

Burns

Mercedena V. Burns, 95, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at LaBella of Alton. Born on February 1, 1931, she was the daughter of William and Cecile (Cox) Cato. Mercedena was a self-employed beautician and long-time member of Vaughn Hill Church of Christ.
She is survived by daughter, Debra (Williamson) Neal of Milwaukie, OR; two sons, Stan (Mary) Williamson of San Pedro, CA and Gerald Burns of Alton; four grandchildren, Meredith (Aaron) Hobbs, Justin (Lindsey) Neal, Natalie Gilmore and Tyler Williamson; 3 great-grandchildren, Alice Hobbs, Jolyon Neal and Jensen Neal; a brother, Kelly (Zelda) Cato of Godfrey; and additional extended nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Donald Williamson, and second husband, Fred Burns; son-in-law, Barney Neal; four sisters, Patricia Waterman, Audra Reddick, Paulette Tarrant, and Jeanette Hartley.
No services will be held. Cremation rites have been entrusted through Gent Funeral Home and Cremation Services.