REBECCA NELSON BURGESS

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Rebecca Nelson Burgess was born on Feb. 4, 1942, in Summerton, to the late Jule and Hester Green Nelson. After the death of her mother, she was raised by the loving Willie and Nuther Nelson and later resided in Sumter.

Rebecca "Beck" was educated in the Clarendon County School System. After moving to Sumter, she completed her education and graduated from Lincoln High School. She knew the value of hard work and was once employed by Campbell Soup and Crescent Tool Co., both in Sumter.

Rebecca's Christian relationship began early in her life as a member of Taw Caw Missionary Baptist Church, Summerton. After marrying Deacon Robert Burgess, she continued her Christian service as a member of St. Michael Baptist Church, where she served on the women's auxiliary committee, as president of the junior choir, assistant Sunday school teacher and on the kitchen committee.

Rebecca was united in holy matrimony to Deacon Robert Burgess on Feb. 4, 1961. From this union four children were born, Sandra, Deborah, Olivia and Robert "Tony" Burgess.

On Monday, Dec. 10, 2018, in the comfort of her home, she was called from labor to eternal reward, surrounded by her loved ones.

Rebecca leaves to cherish her wonderful memories: her loving and devoted husband of 57 years, Deacon Robert Burgess; four children, Sandra of Atlanta, Deborah (James) Allen of Riverview, Florida, Olivia and Robert "Tony" (Diane), both of Sumter; five grandchildren whom she adored, Jarrett Allen of Riverview, Juell "Chanel" of Atlanta, Ryanne "Lexy," Tre'Kwan and Payton, all of Sumter; one great-grandchild, who was the apple of her eye, Bryce "Toot Toot" Burgess; sisters, Hattie (James) Nesmith, Carrie (Willie) Ferby, Adranna Pressley, Paulette (Roger) Conyers, Gloris Bradley, Gladys Brailsford, Mary (Vernon) Parker, Susie Smith and Justine Nelson; brothers, her "heartstring" twin Issac (Jackie) Nelson, Edward (Neat) Nelson, Jimmy Nelson and James Nelson; sisters-in-law, Emily Burgess, Paralee McDowell, Christine (John) Whigham and Joann Burgess; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Julius, Woodrow, Robert Lee, John, Willie, Tossie, Minnie, Rachel and Emma.

Public viewing will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. today at Job's Mortuary.

Mrs. Burgess will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. on Saturday for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 155 Wall St., Sumter, SC 29150 with the Rev. Larry C. Weston, pastor, officiating and the Rev. Dr. Ralph W. Canty Sr., eulogist. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends at the home, 8 E. Patricia Drive, Sumter, SC 29150.

Job's Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements.

Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.