Olive Rosita Burgess

Olive Rosita Burgess was born on October 4, 1934 in Belize City, Belize. She entered into eternal rest on Saturday February 7, 2015 at the Palmetto Health Richland Hospital. After having her eight children, Ms. Burgess relocated to New York City seeking a better life and more opportunities for her family. Her home became known as “the place to be” and on any given night one could find dancing, laughter, spades playing, and all other sorts of congruity. Her skills as a chef were renowned, and people cherished the opportunity to fellowship around some of her best dishes such as “bun” and tamales. Ms. Burgess loved the Lord! In 1982, she became a born again Christian with the Church of God and Christ Jesus and at the age of 75 became a minister. She relocated to Columbia, SC in 2003, and brought with her a strong faith in God. As she had done in New York, she held regular Friday night bible studies at her home and became a faithful member of St. Paul Baptist Church. She loved her St. Paul Church family and would often have members lined up after services wanting to speak to their “Mother Burgess” (as she was affectionately called by family and friends). Not only did Ms. Burgess find a new church but she found a new love, Mr. James Davis, whom she married. Ms. Burgess was preceded in death: by her parents, George Brooks and Idolly Joseph; two sisters, Francella Daniels and Cherry Menzies; and three children: Brian, Leslie, and Andy Burgess; and her husband, Mr. James Davis. Ms. Burgess leaves to cherish her loving memory: four sons, Michael (Luthamae) Young, Shamel Burgess, Devon Burgess, and Rickey Burgess, all residing in South Carolina; seven daughters: Yvonne Carter, Donna (Billy) Israel, Anna Nembhard, Olive Houston, Shamek Burgess, all residing in New York, and Alicia and Taurie Burgess both residing in South Carolina; six sisters: Maggie Bell and Sonia (George) Haynes of New York, Kathy Woods of Nevada, Shirley Hamilton of North Carolina, Norma Neal of California, and Idolly (Nick) Nicolas of Belize; one brother, Raymond (Maggie) Brooks of Belize; 29 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and a host of other nieces, nephews, family and friends. Ms. Burgess was a true survivor! No matter what challenges she faced in her life, she always persevered. Her strength and love of the Lord made her a rock no obstacle could sway. Although she is gone, Ms. Burgess would want her legacy to be that of a family which continues in love, forgiveness, and affection.

Olive Rosita Burgess

October 4, 1934 - February 7, 2015