Doretha Helene

Holcomb Burgess

Doretha Helene Holcomb
Burgess, the only child of the late Mr. and Mrs. Albert and Mamie Holcomb, passed away on February 16. She was predeceased by her husband, John H. Burgess, of Lake City.
She earned a B.S. Degree from Florida A and M University and played tennis and basketball for the Rattlers. Subsequently, she earned a Master's degree from Tuskegee institute and completed post graduate studies in chemistry at the University of Illinois.
Mrs. Burgess began teaching in White Springs, Florida at Carver High School where she also coached the girl's basketball team. The remainder of her educational career was served in Columbia County. She was a beloved teacher, coach, mentor and friend. Richardson High School girl's basketball team won state championships while she was coaching and constantly competed at the highest levels. She won the Star Teacher Award and the Florida Outstanding Chemistry Teacher Award while teaching at Columbia High School. Her science students continually received academic acclaim for their projects each year. She served as pianist for the Trinity United Methodist Church youth gospel chorus and the Union AME Church. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and served honorably in numerous church, civic and social organizations.
Survivors include: two sons, Jonathan (Joy) and Michel; three daughters, Sonya (Harold), Wanda (McKinley), and Bonnie Burgess; two grandchildren, JaJuan Burgess and Langston Burgess; great granddaughter Noel Burgess; brother, James Andrews; sister-in-law Venda R. Burgess; cousins, Julia Nunally, Vancilla Williams (Donald), cousin Marguerite; four nieces Doris Mims (Larry), Laura Patton (David), Elaine Godwin (Isaac), Sheila Burgess; nine nephews, Leroy Mobley, Elliot Reedes (Christine), Joseph Hightower III, Alwyn Burgess, Calvin Burgess (Sandra), Lymus Burgess, Taurean Thompson, Eugene Thompson, Donald Williams, Jr., three godchildren, LaConia Turner, Sherwin Foreman, Boney Watson; and many other relatives and friends.
Family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, February 25 at Trinity United Methodist, 248 NE Martin Luther King St. Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church, 973 S. Marion St. Interment will follow at the Garden of Rest Cemetery.
Mizell Funeral Home 365 N.W. Washington Street, Lake City is in charge of arrangements. Ph# (386) 752-3166, Email rudolmize@aol.com Please sign guest register at www.mizellfuneralhome.com