In the heart of Jackson, Mississippi, 52-year-old Yancy Burns, a prominent civil rights attorney, passed away unexpectedly on November 22, 2025, at his home in the Fondren district.
Known for his fierce advocacy in landmark discrimination cases, Yancy’s sudden death from cardiac arrest has left the legal community and neighbors in profound sorrow. His legacy of justice endures amid the shock of his departure.
Yancy earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1999, after a bachelor’s in political science from Millsaps College. He clerked for a federal judge before joining a Jackson firm specializing in civil liberties. His education honed a sharp legal mind dedicated to protecting vulnerable clients.
Professionally, Yancy led pro bono efforts at Burns & Associates, securing settlements for wrongful conviction victims and housing discrimination plaintiffs. Colleagues admired his courtroom poise and mentorship of young lawyers through the Mississippi Bar Association. His practice embodied integrity and tireless commitment to equality.
Yancy shared a warm home in Fondren with his wife of 25 years and their two college-age children, filling evenings with family debates over dinner. He maintained close ties with his parents and siblings through annual reunions at the family lake house. These bonds grounded his principled life.
Yancy followed a disciplined routine with early runs along the Pearl River for reflection before court appearances. He enjoyed grilling Mississippi catfish for weekend gatherings and volunteering at youth legal clinics. Hobbies like fly fishing in the Delta offered serene escapes from case files.
Jackson honors Yancy with tributes at the Hinds County Courthouse, while his family prepares services at Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church. The bar association establishes a scholarship in his name for aspiring public defenders. The community reflects on a man whose kindness amplified his pursuit of justice.