of Greenbrier, AR
September 26, 1927 - December 1, 2020
Elsie Imogene (Jean) Sewell Burgess, 93, of Greenbrier, AR, was born on September 26, 1927, in St. Petersburg, FL to the late Ross and Verda Robins Sewell. She died peacefully at her home on Dec. 1, surrounded by her family.
In 1948 she married Wassell L. Burgess, and together they had three children: Les Burgess (deceased); Sue (Ron) Tilley, and Ross (Sharon) Burgess; one grandson, Doug (April) Tilley; one great granddaughter, Hannah Tilley; and one great grandson, Tanner (Megan) Tilley, all of Greenbrier. In addition to the loss of her son, Les, she was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Wassell, and a granddaughter, Rebecca Diane Tilley. In her adolescent years Jean lived throughout the southeast US. Later her family moved to Little Rock, AR where she graduated from Joe T. Robinson high school in 1945. She entered the LR Baptist School of Nursing in the fall and graduated as an RN in 1948.
She truly was an example of what a nurse should be. She was smart and savvy concerning the practice of medicine, but more importantly she understood people and their need to be valued and cared for. She was a compassionate and selfless caregiver to many. She worked in hospitals and clinics, ending her nursing career as school nurse for Greenbrier Schools where perhaps she had her biggest impact on the lives of hundreds of families. Her husband pastored Springhill Baptist Church in Greenbrier for many years and she perfectly fit the role of pastor's wife. She truly loved her church family.
Her celebration service will be held on Friday, Dec. 4, at 11:00 am at Springhill Baptist Church in Greenbrier. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Springhill Cemetery.
The service will also be live streamed at springhillbaptistchurch.info. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the Wassell and Jean Burgess Scholarship Endowment fund at Central Baptist College or to Springhill Baptist Church.
Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.
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35 Condolence(s)
Mac papera
Thursday, March 4, 2021
This lady was and is a super lady she loved all here kids at school and they all loved her . She was like a mother to me all through the years I got a concussion at school one year , I was running to lunch and someone tripped me and my head met a metal beam ,I was scared to death I went blind she came to me with that beautiful voice and she said dont worry darlin iam right here and I am gonna take care of u . She got me up and took me to her nurses office she did what she said she took awesome care of me after that I would go to her with anything . She was an ANGEL on earth and now she is a n ANGEL in Heaven taking care of everyone. I will miss u so , Mac Papera
Odie C White
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Mrs Jean was such a Beautiful lady who loved every one. And was loved by so many you will be missed 😢
Doug McMillen
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
I love Mrs Jean
Pamela Fulmer May
Saturday, December 5, 2020
Miss Jean was such a lovely lady. She made my time with your family very special. I know you will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Pam Fulmer May
Fred and Dorothy MORLAN
Friday, December 4, 2020
We are so sad for all of you. We loved Ms. JEAN. AND WE LOVE ALL OF YOU, YOU A.L ARE SPECIAL, FRED DOROTHY. AND STEVEN JR
Laura Hurst Williams
Friday, December 4, 2020
Ross, Sharon and the rest of the family.....my thoughts and prayers are with you all. What a kind, gentle, precious lady Ms Jean was. It was a blessing to have known her!
Teri Reynolds
Friday, December 4, 2020
The service was so nice today. The video holds so many precious memories. Mrs. Jean will always hold a special place in so many hearts. She was the reason I went into nursing . I can still feel those super soft hands and how when she hugged us, wow, the love that was behind those hugs!!! She instilled confidence in us as kids and even as adults. Mrs. Jean has left a great legacy for all.
Nicole & Chris Tarkington
Thursday, December 3, 2020
To my cousins- I love you all, and you’re in my thoughts! I deeply admired Aunt Jean’s character & l will always remember her with love. She was a special lady. We will be lifting you all up in prayer.
Nicole & Chris Tarkington
Elizabeth Bearden(Martin}
Thursday, December 3, 2020
Ms. Jean worked with my mom, Dean Martin, at the elementary school. She always had a smile for everyone and if the truth be told, she probably help keep my mom sane! You will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing you.
Donna Berry
Thursday, December 3, 2020
What can be said about this wonderful lady that hasn't already been said? I have wonderful memories of her from church & school and she was always a blessing to be around. I know today she's right in the arms of Jesus as he tells her "well done, good & faithful servant." Prayers for the family as they continue life without her being here. God Bless them, O Lord!
Glenn and Donna Lewis
Thursday, December 3, 2020
What a kind and gentle spirit Ms. Jean had. She was loved deeply and will be greatly missed! Prayers for you Ron & Sue and ALL the family during this time.
We love you guys and if you need anything please let us know.
Kathy Braun
Thursday, December 3, 2020
Mrs jean was the school nurse my whole life, she also was a big help to our family when my little brother Keith passed away, I'll never forget her loving, caring, compassionate spirit, she truly had a servants heart.
Frances Sowash Smith
Thursday, December 3, 2020
So sorry to hear of her passing. Everyone at Greenbrier school loved Ms. Jean
Eric N Glover
Thursday, December 3, 2020
Ross, Sharon and family - I'm saddened to read of Mrs. Jean's passing. She was a remarkable woman who demonstrated Christ's love daily. I always left her presence feeling better than when I entered it. She and Bro. Wassell were wonderful people. Love, hugs and prayers to you all during this difficult time.
Judith Quinn
Thursday, December 3, 2020
Praying for your whole family. Truly loved Mrs. Jean and your family. I enjoyed your mom’s hugs. This makes heaven so much sweeter. I thank God for the privilege of knowing all the gang from Springhill. Precious memories!
John and Mary McKay
Thursday, December 3, 2020
So sorry to hear of Mrs Jeans passing.
What a true treasure she was!
Marie Barnes
Thursday, December 3, 2020
My children loved this sweet lady my heart goes out to the family praying that the Lord will surround you with His peace, encourage you in His love, and strengthen you with His presence.
Marie Barnes
Patricia D Bryant Benight
Thursday, December 3, 2020
Mrs. Jean will always hold a special place in my memories. She was a true example of a virtuous woman. She had such a sweet spirit and took such wonderful care of us children at school. May the Lord give the family grace during this time.
Judith E Freese
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
She was a very sweet lady and will be missed dearly
Shannon Weaver
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
She was an amazing lady and will be greatly missed. Prayers for peace and comfort for her family
Debra & Rocky Harvey
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
So sorry for the loss of a wonderful lady - she took care of me many a day through out my 12 years of school and I loved her for it - prayers for the family during this sad and difficult time ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»
Lori Smith Holden
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Praying for your family. Ms Jean was an absolute treasure for those of us attending Greenbrier Schools. She was precious to me. I will never forget her kindness and influence in directing me to a career of service in medicine. My love to you all.
Julian & Marla Dorris
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
We are so very sorry for your loss! Prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time and in the days ahead.
Frieda and Lee Huett
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Chelsea and Justin Henry
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
We so loved Moo Moo! I'm so glad she is with the Savior she loved! She will be dearly missed. I wish she had gotten to meet Houston. We love your family so very much.
Leon & Shelly Carter
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
We Loved our MooMoo “aka†Mrs. Jean, her light shined so bright for everyone she meet.
She was such a sweet loving soul, and will be missed by so so many. Our Prayers and Loving Thoughts are with each of you.
Sandra Williams
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
My Heart shares in your lose. 💞
Mark and Gayle Mullenwx
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Prayers for all the family! Sorry for your Loss and may your find the Lord close
Mark and Gayle Mullenax
Joyce McGinty Johnson
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Mrs. Jean was such a strong, yet graceful soul. When Sandy passed, Mr. Wassell was in the hospital also. She prayed with me many a day; giving me strength and the will to keep going. She was such an example of what a Godly woman is, and her nursing touched so many lives here in town. Simply put, I loved her too.
Jerry & Missy Snowden
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Jerry and Janis Robbins
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
To all of Mrs. Jean’s families, she was a wonderful woman. Know you already know that. She will be missed, she lived a great life. What a reunion she is having! You are all in our loving thoughts and prayers.
Sam and Esther Swann
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
It is always hard to lose a loved one, but she had a wonderful life serving the Lord. Bless all of you.
loretta keathley
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Im so sorry for your loss..Mrs. Jean will be greatly missed. She was always so kind and sweet in taking care of us Greenbrier school students. Love and Prayers to family and friends. May Gods comfort be with you all.
Stanley & Michelle Gilmore
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
We loved our sweet Mrs Jean and always will. We will miss her. We love you Sue & Ross and ALL the family. Blessings & Peace to you all.
Rusty and Angel Page
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
To my cousins praying our father wraps his arms around you giving you peace, comfort and strength during this difficult time. Rest in peace Aunt Jean. You were so loved.
Rusty and Lisa Page