THE BEGINNING OF A BLESSED JOURNEY

Rayfield Burns was born October 9, 1939 in Shreveport, Louisiana to the late Viney Burns Handley. At a young age, Rayfield and his mother moved to Kansas City, Kansas. In 1944, Viney and the late Charles Lee Handley were united in matrimony and welcomed the births of two sons, Charles Howard and Norman Keith, and three daughters, Gloria, Wanda Sue and Carolyn, thus completing the family.

In 1951, Rayfield accepted Christ and was baptized at Eighth Street Baptist Church. The family moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1953 and united with the Progressive Baptist Church. He received his elementary and secondary education in the Kansas City, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri school districts. At the age of 18, Rayfield enlisted into the US Navy and remained in service for four years subsequently receiving honorable discharge in 1962.

While working at Clipper Manufacturing, Rayfield met the love of his life, Myra Joe Carter and they were united in holy matrimony September 21, 1963. To this loving union, Connie Maria and Christopher Ray, was born. Rayfield was an exemplary provider for his family and retired from Ford Motor Company with 30 years of service. Some of his most cherished moments were spending time with family on vacations to Chicago, Louisiana, especially the annual lake trips and a memorable cruise. He coined the phrase and love to say, "We are a team of eight."

A PASSION FOR LEARNING, SERVING, AND MINISTERING

Rayfield, joined the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in 1966 of which Myra was already a member. He accepted his call to ministry in 1997 and was ordained by the late Rev. Wallace S. Hartsfield Sr. Under the leadership of Rev. Wallace S. Hartsfield Sr., he was a faithful member serving in multiple capacities: Usher Board, Choir, Sunday School Teacher, Christian Worker, Deacon, Chairman of Deacons, Associate Minister, and Minister of Evangelism/Stewardship. He went on to serve as Proclamation Commissioner and Assistant to the Pastor under the leadership of Wallace S. Hartsfield II. Rayfield loved to preach about the goodness of God and faithfully served Him.

He obtained his formal education from Longview Community College receiving an Associate Degree, and Calvary Bible College, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Bible and Human Resources Management. Still committed to perfecting his ministerial calling, Rayfield earned a Master of Biblical Studies from Calvary Theological Seminary. He answered the call to teach at Calvary Bible College in August of 2002, where he was an instructor and Director of the College's Urban Ministry Program.

Rayfield, definitely had a heart for community and mankind, serving in various capacities with civic organizations including; CCO, Communities Creating Opportunity (board member/board chairman), Missouri Health Advocacy Alliance (founding board member), Missouri Foundation for Health (advocate), Missouri Faith Voices, Statewide Organizing Affiliate (board of directors). He was recognized along with other CCO members by the Council of Kansas City for their work in creating housing policy recommendations for the City.

THE JOURNEY ENDS

In 2012, Rayfield retired from his role of Commissioner of Proclamation and began working for Truman Medical Center ensuring those in the community received health insurance. He continued to preach the word at several Churches across the city. During his final years, Rayfield's health issues began to take a toll. He was cared for by his devoted wife along with their children, children's spouses, and grandchildren. The "team of eight" stood steadfast in his care. His journey ended on November 2, 2020; no more pain or suffering, he now rests with his Lord.

Rayfield, leaves to cherish his loving memory, his wife of 57 years, Myra Joe, two children, Connie Maria Cofield (Jimmy) and Christopher Ray Burns (Angelique), Lee's Summit, MO; brothers, Charles H. Handley (Carol), Blue Springs, MO, Norman K. Handley (friend, Vera Robinson), KCMO; sisters, Gloria Pendergrass (Michael) Baton Rouge, LA, Wanda Sue Thompson (Arthur) and Carolyn L. Handley, KCMO; two granddaughters, Mariah Rae and Maya Allyson Cofield; five sisters in-law, Drucella Williams, Mozell Jacobs, Hattie Carter, KCMO, Rosie Carter, Long Beach, CA, Angie McKinney (Robert), Lee's Summit, MO; an aunt, Virginia Dale White, Houston, TX, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and associates.

Private funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 7, at 12:00pm at the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. Interment Mount Moriah Cemetery. Visitation will from 10:00am-11:30am at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic guests are required to wear face masks.