Pearl Elizabeth Burgess was born in the Cross Roads community near Pelahatchie on April 11, 1931, and went to be with her Lord on August 7, 2023. She was fondly known by most as “Mrs. Elizabeth” or just “Mamaw.” Elizabeth graduated from Central High School in Jackson where she was born and raised. As a young lady, she enjoyed window shopping on Capitol Street. Elizabeth married the late R.M. Burgess and moved to their farm near Flora where she spent the next five decades farming and ministering to her community. In the ‘80's, Elizabeth frequently hosted ministerial and music student families from Mississippi College and through the years she shared many pounds of home-grown vegetables with friends across the state. Elizabeth and the ladies from Lula Baptist Church hosted Vacation Bible School for children in Jackson and beyond. She loved her church, her church family, and the missions they supported. Many hymns were exclaimed in the church with Elizabeth playing the piano. Her one goal in life was to serve God by serving others, and she was most successful. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at Briar Hill Rest Home in Florence. Elizabeth is preceded in death by her mother, Ruby Etoyle Gray Winpigler, her brothers, Bobby Miley, T.J. Miley and Albert Miley, and her husband, Rixie M. Burgess. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Marcia Miley; five children: Milburn Ray Burgess of Brandon, Nancy Burgess of Flowood, Lewis Burgess of Jackson, Paul Burgess of Jackson, and Sarah Burgess Bishop (Steve) of Thompson Station, Tennessee; seven grandchildren: Otis Craig (Rachel), Olivia Burgess Renfroe (James), Mark Craig, Sarah Elizabeth Burgess, William Burgess (Tina), Jason Burgess (Morgan), and John Austin Burgess, Sr. (Olga); seven great-grandchildren: Madison Burgess Embrey (Robert), Ivy Renfroe, Alexis Burgess, Destiny Burgess, Mallory Burgess, John Austin Burgess, Jr., and Erika Burgess; a great-great-grandson, William “Liam” Ray Embrey, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Flowers are welcome and memorial donations may be made in Elizabeth Burgess’s name to any organization that supports veterans or fallen soldiers.
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