September 18, 1930 ~ March 4, 2024
Bertha Nell Leslie Burgess, 93, of Chattanooga, went home to be with her Lord, March 4, 2024, after a lengthy illness. She was at home surrounded by her devoted children and grandchildren.
She was a native of Guntersville, AL, and had lived in Chattanooga 70 years.
Nell was a member of Tiftonia Baptist Church over 66 years. She was happiest as a wife, a mom, a Mamaw, and a homemaker. She never wanted the spotlight, but was a bright light of love herself. She leaves that legacy of love to several generations. “Her children arise up and call her blessed.”
She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Raymond (Buddy) Burgess; her parents, Walter and Mary Leslie; brothers, J. R. and Bill Leslie; sisters, Martha Ward, Margaret Yancey and Fannie Watkins.
Nell is survived by her four children, Eddie (Debbie) Burgess, Flintstone, GA; Rodney (Susan) Burgess, Rossville, GA; Kathy (Leston) Rorex, Rock Spring, GA, and Mary (David) Hammons, Chattanooga, TN; sister, Helen Smith, Hixson, TN; sister-in-law, Kat Leslie, Guntersville, AL; grandchildren, Jennifer Burgess, Wes (Charley) Gossett, Matt (Lacey) Rorex, Corey Rorex, Lance (Cori) Rorex, Shelley (James) Henderson, Heather (Morgan) Underwood, Amber (Greg) Schuchard, And Aspen (Nick) Salanco; 20 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends C.B. and Jan Keel.
Condolences may be shared with the Burgess family and live streaming of the service may be viewed at www.lane-southcrestchapel.com
The funeral service will be held at South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home, Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 2:00pm with Rev. Tom McGuirt and Rev. Mark Brandon officiating. Interment will follow at Lakewood Memorial Gardens West. Grandsons will serve as pall bearers.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 11:00am – 2:00pm.
The family wishes to express its gratitude to Patty Anderson and Evan Hayes of Hearth Hospice for the care given to our mother.
Memorial contributions may be made to : Alzheimer’s Association, P. O. 330729, Nashville, TN 37203
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