Ms. Ethel Pearl Burgess

On Monday, October 17, 2022, on an angel came to the bedside of Sis. Ethel Pearl Burgess and whispered, “Heaven belongs to you, so hold my hand and rest”.

Sister Ethel Pearl Burgess was born on June 6, 1944, in Lake City, SC to the Late Alex and Ruth Burgess. She was the sixth of seven children and was preceded in death by the apple of her eye her grandson Ricky Lamar Cook Jr., her siblings: Reba McClam, Alexander Burgess Jr., Ernest Leo Burgess, Carolyn Speller, Addie Swain, two nephews reared as her brothers Larry Burgess and Ray McClam, a niece Karen B. Graham and nephew Kwantae Speights that she reared as her own.

She received her education by attending the public schools of Florence County and graduated Carver High School class of 1961.

Ethel Pearl never left South Carolina and worked at Electric Motors for 15 plus years, Hardees 15 plus, Baxter 10 plus, Superior Cleaners 10 plus years, Ragsdale 15 years, and Coleman 20 plus years. She was a member of Greater St. James AME until the age of 14 she then attended St. Mark BHC and accepted Christ as her personal Savior. She played a great role in the church. She was the St. Mark BHC Sunday School and church secretary for many years, the President for the Youth Choir for more than 50 years, President for Senior and Gospel Choir and Usher Board President for more than 30 years. She was a member of Winky’s Task Force, Pastor Aide and so much more. She was the Vice President of the Believers Holiness Conference Center Usher Board. She believed in working hard for Jesus, Putting God first and letting the work you have done speak for you. She was very dedicated to helping and changing children lives in the church and also the community. She always hosted summer trips for the youth and never turned any child down or away and for that she was a huge asset in her church and the community so on September 6, 2015, Ethel Pearl Burgess received the Key to the City.

Those who are left to cherish her memories are one devoted daughter Rutheene Burgess Boles of Jacksonville, FL; one dedicated granddaughter Shawntricka Burgess of Lake City, SC; two loving great-grandchildren Alexandar Mills and Charles Ricky Mills of Lake City, SC; Her nieces and nephews who she reared as her own Gerald Speights, Jonathan Barr, Kwamane Speights and Kwadijah Speights; one amazing sister Ann (Willie) Myers of Lake City, two sister-in laws Clara Burgess and Joan Burgess of Lake City, SC ; One brother-in-law William Speller of Lake City, SC; a special Auntie Hattie Scott; and a host of niece, nephews, friends, and other relatives.