Lillian Ruth Burian, 87, of El Dorado, passed away on July 26, 2025. She was born on December 13, 1937, in Hot Springs, AR, to Robert W. and Mary L. Harrison. Lillian graduated as Salutatorian from Smackover High School in 1956.
In 1959, Lillian married Ronald Burian, beginning her life as a military spouse. They were stationed across the U.S. and spent three years in New Zealand. After Ronald retired from the Air Force in 1976, they returned to El Dorado, where Lillian worked as a ward clerk at Union Medical Center. Driven by a passion for teaching, she later earned her bachelor's degree in Special Education and taught in the El Dorado School District for 16 years. Lillian was a devoted member of Second Baptist Church, where she taught G.A.'s and children's Sunday school, blending her love for missions, WMU, and teaching.
After retiring, Lillian dedicated her time to volunteering in the community. She tutored adults at the Literacy Council, mended clothes at Hudson Memorial Nursing Home, and assisted at the Liberty Baptist Crisis Closet. Upon joining West Side Baptist Church, she faithfully taught the Adult 5 Ladies class.
Lillian was a truly Godly woman, a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was known for her encouraging spirit and unwavering faith.
She was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers: Robert, Raymond, Lawrence, and Howard.
Lillian is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Ronald Burian; her three children: James Burian (Sharon), Becky Henley (Ray), and Cindy Thompson (Richard); seven grandchildren: Timothy Burian, Rachel Britton (Ian), Benjamin Henley (Kelsey), Sarah Henley (Ryan), Jacob Thompson (Chelse), Anna Norris (Collin), and Stephen Thompson; seven great-grandchildren: Jonah and Norah Britton, Grace, Eli, and Hudson Henley, and William and Rylee Norris; and one brother, Harold Harrison (Paulette).
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Westside Baptist Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service. A private burial will follow at Smackover Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Open Heart Ministries at 608 Carol Ave, El Dorado, AR, 71730, or online at ohministries.org.
Condolences can be expressed online at youngsfuneralhome.com.
