Shephard Howard Burge

Shephard H. Burge, Jr. was called from worldly service to peace with God on August 1, 2002 after having lived with vigor amongst us for 83 years. God in his wonderous wisdom knew his work was completed on this earth. Alouie and Shephard Burge, Sr., gave life to Shephard Howard Burge, Jr., on September 9, 1919 in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was one of eight children to be born to them. As a child he showed early signs of charisma and leadership skills that would be demonstrated in significant community roles he would take on in adult life. From Maynard Elementary School to Austin High School, Shephard would found his niche. He was an excellent athlete in high school, lettering in varsity basketball. The team on which he played in high school never lost a game. Shephard, Jr. received work scholarships from Morse Brown, Tennessee State, Alabama State, Tuskegee and Morehouse. However, at the urging of his sister, Louise, who was professor of music at Arkansas State, he chose to be among the class of 1937 entering Arkansas State AM&N at Pine Buff. As a health and physical education major, his goal was to become a coach of both basketball and football after graduating. While a student, Shephard’s prowess in those two sports again earned him honors. He became a “letter Man” in both sports. Shephard, Jr. saw active duty on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands of the West Central Pacific during World War II. He was discharged after being wounded as an 89-point veteran at the rank of Sergeant Major. As husband to Myrtle (Barnes) Burge and father of Carmelita, Avonnee and Cherryale. “Shep,” as he was affectionately called by many, found his greatest joy and inspiration. For them with God’s grace, he made home life in Baltimore loving, adventurous and fun. To insure their happiness and comfort Shephard became thoroughly involved in the activities of the Cherry Hill community where they lived and the political life of Baltimore City. Putting his degree in health and physical education to use, he provided for his family by first becoming a recreation supervisor of social and athletic programs in East Baltimore through the Department of Parks and Recreation and then by accepting a post with the Federal Government in the United States Postal Service where he spent 26 years until retirement. After several years of retirement, he accepted the directorship position as Mayor’s Representative serving Cherry Hill, Mt. Winans, Fairfield and Wesport. All during those years he and Myrtle saw their children finish college and receive their degrees. Shephard’s concern for having the finest quality of life in the community of Cherry Hill caused him to help create the Cherry Hill Coordinating Council. He presided over it for many years. He envisioned a community with all of the educational, health; social, religious and commercial facilities it needed and helped make it a reality. Under his tireless leadership Cherry Hill saw continuous growth. Through the council he also developed and became the editor of the Cherry Hill Newspaper, founded in 1957. Spinning off his interest in sports and his leadership in recreation, Shephard started the Harlem Bears football team, which went undefeated during its existence. Award for devotion and service to community were well deserved and great in number! Shephard was truly a man for the people throughout his life. He was full of ideas, commitment and follow through. He had the opportunity to make a difference and the talent to make things happen. Shephard H. Burge, Jr. is survived by wife, Myrtle E. Burge; daughters, Carmelita Burge Riley, Avonnee E. Brown (Samuel J.), Cherryale C. Burge; grandchildren, Walter G. and Dwaine A. Riley (Athena), Todd K. and Troy S. Brown; great grandchildren, Stacey-Marie Riley, Kiana Brown; nephew, Charles Taylor (Deborah); nieces, Joan C. Strayhan (Robert), Jean C. Fisher (Raymond); sisters-in-law, Lois D. Perkins, Clematis V. Potts; and a host of other nieces, nephews and cousins.

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Shephard Howard Burge

September 9, 1919 - August 1, 2002