Alice R. Burgess

ALICE REBECCA BURGESS, was born February 23, 1918 in Blairsville, Pennsylvania to the late Carrie Mae Jackson & Eugene Mays.  She departed this life at the age of 101.

Miss Jackson moved to Buffalo, NY with her children Virlie and Alice.  At the time, Alice attended Hutch Technical High School.  While searching for a church home, they found and became faithful members of Trinity Baptist Church.  Alice soon became very active in the church choir and was known as Trinity's "songbird!"  Affectingly know as, "Doll" Mother Burgess "melodious" voice was heard on many Sunday mornings as the lead songs with the "Twilight Choir" or the United Chorus.  Over the years she served as president on both choirs, respectively.  

In the late 90's her health no longer permitted her to stay active with the choirs.  However, in Feb 2005, she returned to sing at the Open House of the church's Historical Museum.  Because of her long history with the Music Department, Mother Burgess was asked to document the choir's origins.  Her three page hand written document is currently housed in the church's museum.

Involving herself with family activities was very fulfilling and enjoyable to her. Nonetheless cooking and baking was her passion.  Her recipes for pound cake, baked chicken, and macaroni & cheese can be found in many kitchens throughout Buffalo.

For over 20 years, Mother Burgess volunteered as a cook at Camp Woodside, which is part of the Deacon Alliance Camp for children in Western New York.  While serving as head chief at the Niagara Lutheran Church Home, she continued to volunteer her services with the Meals on Wheels Program.

Her many contributions at Trinity included: Being a member of the Mother Board, Secretary of the Minister's Wives Auxiliary, Chair-person of the Trinity Baptist Church kitchen Committee and Chairperson of Deaconess Board.  Part of her duties as a Deaconess was to visit the sick, assist with communion and advise other women with personal life skills.  In the late 90's Mother Burgess was named "Deaconess Emeritus." Deaconess Alice Burgess was faithful to Trinity Baptist Church for over 60 years.

Mother Burgess' life rests on a strong spiritual foundation with never a doubt of her relationship with Christ Jesus.  In her 100 years, she has worn many hats: daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, God Mother, mother-in-law, prayer-partner, spiritual advisor, and friend.  She has worn each of these hats with pride, purpose, perseverance, and the knowledge that "all things work together for good to them that love the God."

Alice Burgess was preceded in death by her parents, Carrie Mae Jackson, and Eugene Mays, Sister Virlie M. Payne and daughter Jacqueline A. Collins.

Deaconess Alice Burgess leaves to cherish her precious memory and to celebrate her life, her beloved children: Terrance C. Moore (Lois), Barbara Burgess-Page, Michael P. Burgess (Toya), Velma E. Watson Godson, Walter H. Kemp, Jr.  Grandchildren: Renee B. Collins, Robin A. Collins, Brian T. Collins(Tracey), Loree A. Collins, Katrina Moore, Crystal Moore, Michael Burgess, Jr., Evelyn D. Falls, Lisa Burgess, Adam Burgess, Aldyn O. Page, Great Grandchilren: Brandon Smith, Jason Collins, Marcus Mullins, Chloe Jackson,Chanel Jackson, Austin Jackson, Brian Collins, Jr., Miniya Collins, Ryan Blye, Devin Moore, Great Great Grandchildren: Kingston Welch, Timothy Burgess, Christoper Barnes, Edward Falls, Jr., Elliott Falls, Elijah Falls, Deliah Reffells, and Aislin Collins, Cousins: Frances Harris & Family.

Family will receive friends Saturday, September 14, 2019, 11 am at Trinity Baptist Church, 2930 Bailey Ave. Funeral to follow at 12 pm. 

Entombment Forest Lawn Cemetery.
 

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