Genevia L. Burns, 73, passed away in her home on August 3, 2026, surrounded by her
children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was born on September 5, 1952,
in Flint, Michigan, to Juanita and Tex Lakey.
A lifelong resident of Hardee County, she made her living in customer service, and once
retired she stayed at home to raise her grandbabies for that was her greatest joy.
Genevia is preceded in death by two sons; James "Robert" Frost and Juan C. "Tuts"
Otero; granddaughter Ana Maria Duran; both parents; brothers Bud Moore, Ollie "Ray"
Moore, and Shelby Moore; and sisters Betty Avilez and Lenora "Jeannie" Smith.
Genevia is survived by her son Joseph "Tommy" Rivera (Stacy) of Avon Park, Florida;
her daughters Geneva A. Otero-Duran (Martin) of Zolfo Springs, Florida; Amalia Arista
(Rafael) of Zolfo Springs, Florida; Luz Velasco of Union City, New Jersey; Linda Beebee
of Zolfo Springs, Florida; and Caroline Gatica of Zolfo Springs, Florida. Grandchildren;
Amalia "Shyann" Rivera (Guillermo), Griselda "Chella" Duran, Azucena "Susie" Arista,
Elizabeth "Ellie" Arista, Juanita L. Otero (Marco), Rafael Colunga-Otero (Aracely),
Alejandro "Alex" Duran (Joely), Bernadette Moser (Wayne), Alley McSorley, Aiden
McSorley, Makayla Otero, Randy Campbell, Samantha Quiroz-Gonzalez (Mateo). Great
grandchildren; Ariana, Nevay, Isiah, Ava, Camilo, Mateo, Kailani, Jacob, Evie, Mateo,
Milagros, Reyna and Abel.
To know her was to love her ❤️
She was a woman whose heart was filled with love, compassion, and unwavering
devotion to her family. She had a way of making the people she knew feel loved, cared
for, protected, and never alone.
She loved deeply and gave generously, always putting the needs of her loved ones
close to her heart. Her compassion knew no limits, but it was her fierce loyalty and
strength that truly defined her. When it came to her family, she never backed down. She
taught us to stick together through life's challenges and to celebrate every joy.
She was both gentle and strong—a loving mother with a courageous spirit. Her love
was not quiet nor passive; it was powerful, protective, and unconditional.
Her family was her greatest pride and her deepest love. Though our hearts are broken
by her passing, we will carry her love, strength, compassion, and the countless lessons
she taught us for the rest of our lives.

She fought fiercely for the people she loved, but now her fight is over, and she can
finally rest. Once again, she has reunited with her mother, siblings, sons and
granddaughter Ana.
We have comfort knowing she has her beautiful angel wings, watching over the family
she loved so fiercely, still protecting us in the way only she could. Though we can no
longer hold her in our arms, her love will remain in our hearts every day.
Until we meet again in Heaven, Mom, may you rest peacefully among the angels. Your
wings may have carried you home, but your love will forever remain here with us.
To know her was to be loved by her ❤️
A visitation will be held at Robarts Garden Chapel on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 12:00 P.M. followed by funeral services at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Jim Davis officiating.