Bessie Lee Burgess

Bessie Lee Burgess, affectionately known as, "Aunt Lee", "Granny", BB", "Big Ma" was born December 25, 1948 to the late Walter Henderson, Sr. and Gladys Chapman. She was educated in Wilmington Public Schools and at the age of 12 moved to Richmond, Virginia where she helped with the rearing of her siblings. After graduating from Armstrong High School she met and married Oliver Adams. From this union three children were born; Joseph, Nikita and Dawn. Having been a caretaker all of her life, Bessie enrolled in MCV School of Nursing. It was through nursing that she was able to provide a stable environment after becoming a single parent. Bessie went on to work for MCV Hospital before joining the staff of Richmond Nursing Home, where she retired in 2007. Being a caretaker she was always willing to extend herself to family, friends, neighbors and co-workers... (everbody). As the matriarch of the family she instilled the importance of family by always having family events for all holidays, birthday recognition and planning of family reunions. She was always there to support family no matter the need. Bessie was famous for her "straight" forward, need to know" personality. She never sugar coated anything. Although harsh, it was said out of love. No matter the circumstance she was always there to lend a helping hand and any resources she had. While attending Mt. Calvary Holiness Church #2, she reconnected with her childhood friend, Andrew "Jack" Burgess, Jr. After a long courtship she finally said "Yes" and they married in January of 1984. Jack would prove to be an important part of this family. Bessie later embraced two of her sister's children, Michael and Kisha that she cared for lke her own. She will be forever remembered as a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother and a phenomenal friend. She is preceded in death by her father, Walter Henderson, Sr., sister Delores Keel, brother Michael Chapman, nephew Lamar Chapman and goddaughter, Michelle Bracey. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of 28 years Andrew "Jack" Burgess, three sons: Joseph, Michael and Adrian; three daughters: Nikita, Dawn and Kisha; nine grandchildren: Shanika, Jo'Mar, Linwood, LeSuane, Anisha, Shaquille, KeShon, Alexis & Alecia; great grandson: Dreshan "DJ"; mother Gladys Chapman; brothers: Richard, Keith, Craig (Cindy) and Paul (Nina); sisters: Barbara, Sharon (William) and Carolyn; sister-in-laws: Pam Iantha and Iris; nieces and nephews: Andre', Pamela, Lamont, Geneva, Denise, LaShonda, Alecia,Candice, Niecy Poo,Kevin,Lil Keith,Reginna, KoKo, Sharonda, Andrew, Xavier Makia, Makenzie, Sharmela, Terrell, Ciarra, Marshall, Carlehr, LaPrecious, Lamar; a multitude of great nieces, nephews and cousins. Two devoted cousins Selena & Teresa. Two adopted daughters Janice and Shawndel. Extended families: Adams, Whites, Browns, Waller, Beard, Booker, Perry, Mills, Coleman, Caldwell, Gaines, Carrington, Johnson, Smith and Whitehead; Devoted friends: Robinette and Quayatta and one god brother Andre. A devoted companion and grandchild, "ANGEL" God knew that it would take and special act from him to bring you to him...he knew that you wouldn't want to leave this place and leave all of us behind.... so he sent a tsunami and earthquake and a storm named Sandy to bring you home...I can't imagine being one of Gods favorites to the point of him truly opening up his flood gates of HAVEN and saying, Well Done, you can come on in... FAMILY

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Bessie Lee Burgess

December 25, 1948 - October 29, 2012