Thelma Burgett, daughter of the late Milton Harper and Lucy Kelly, was born January 26, 1938 in Snow Hill, North Carolina . She slipped into eternal rest on April 19, 2017. She was preceded in death by husband Charles Burgett, son Micheal Burgett , grandsons Darrell and Stephen Burgett, and brothers Wilbert Kelly and Walter Kelly. She was educated in the Greene County Public School System in Snow Hill, NC and after moving to Virginia was employed at Beth Shalom Village.
Thelma gave her life to the Lord at an early age and was a faithful member of Garden of Prayer Worship Center. She served on numerous committees at the church, but loved working at the food bank. She also volunteered at the Little Creek Naval Base Thrift Store. Her life was a life of service.
Thelma ushered at her local church, the Garden of Prayer Worship Center, with the State Usher Board of the Virginia Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. She also served with the National Usher Board of the Churches of God in Christ Worldwide during its national conventions. Thelma served on the church’s Hospitality Committee and assisted in preparing and donating Thanksgiving baskets for the less fortunate. She was a devoted member of the Golden Girls Circle who loved to travel and explore the world.
Thelma was a loving mother, grandmother and friend. She loved her family and would help anyone in need.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory three daughters: Lucy Burgett of Newport News, VA; Rose Winbush (Joel) of Hampton, VA; and Diane Grier of Norfolk, VA; one son: James Taylor of Norfolk, VA; three brothers: Willie Kelly of Norfolk, VA; Milton Harper and Richard Harper(Goldie) of Durham NC; two sisters: Patricia Harper-Worley and Ann Milligan-Barnes(William) of Durham NC; six grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, two special friends: Margret Campbell and Chris Davis; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, other loving relatives and friends.