Noveline Laverne Burgess nee Martin

OBITUARY Noveline Laverne Burgess of Union, MO departed this life at her home, surrounded by the love of her family, on Thursday, June 22, 2023, having reached the age of ninety-four years, eleven months and twenty days. Noveline was born in Antlers, OK on July 2, 1928, daughter of Charles Andrew Martin and Annie Leona Martin nee Thompson. On April 14, 1945 she was united in marriage to Lowell Rayford Burgess, Sr. and four children came to bless this union. Noveline is survived by two sons, Terry Burgess and wife, Kathleen, of Antlers, OK and David Burgess and wife, Alberta, of Vinita, OK; by her daughter, Dr. VeAnn Tilson and husband, Dr. Jay, of Union, MO; by one brother, Jerry Martin and wife, Gwendolyn, of Goodwell, OK; by her sisters-in-law, Joyce Burgess, Jane Burgess, Deane Burgess and Patsy Martin; by her daughter-in-law, Karen Burgess of Antlers, OK; by her former daughter-in-law, Sheila Burgess of Melissa, TX; by eleven grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great, great-great and great-great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. Noveline was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Annie Martin; by her husband, Lowell Burgess, Sr.; by one son, Lowell “Ray” Burgess, Jr.; and by three brothers, WC Martin, CA Martin and Roy Martin. Heaven gained an angel, Noveline was a wonderful Christian, child of God and member of Antlers Freewill Baptist church in Antlers, OK and until moving to Missouri still taught Sunday School at the age of eighty-nine. She made caring for her home and family her mission in life and never tired of it. Noveline was a Girl Scout Leader for many years. She was a hard worker that helped raise the livestock and pets on the family farm while Lowell worked a full- time job and two part-time jobs. Noveline was a godly woman who set an example for her whole family through her love, teachings and compassion. She would minister to folks in nursing homes and prisoners in county jail and would bake them cookies, cupcakes and various sweets. Noveline loved to work in the garden and was still gardening until the age of ninety. She was an avid reader who read her Bible every morning and had read it in its’ entirety several times, a chapter at a time, to residents at the Antlers nursing home. She had also read a complete library of the Readers Digest condensed books. Noveline would write letters to her grandkids in Missouri about her cat and her son took them and published them into a book called “Cat Tales”. She was an excellent cook that was still cooking until the age of ninety and was renowned for her pies and would bake pies for everyone at the Senior Center on Lowell’s birthday. Noveline loved watching her grandkids play various sports. She was also an avid fan of OU football, the Chicago Bulls and the OKC Thunder basketball and the Cardinals in baseball. Her greatest accomplishment was raising her four children, teaching them to value education, watching them obtain their college degrees. But what meant most to her was time spent with family. The love they shared and many precious memories they created will forever be cherished by them all. A loving and devoted mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great and great-great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great, great-great and great-great-great-aunt, cousin and treasured friend, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 PM Sunday, June 25, 2023 at Christ Chapel Freewill Baptist Church in St. Clair, MO with Dr. Jay Tilson officiating, assisted by Pastor Duke West. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, June 30, 2023 at Hall Cemetery in Antlers, OK with Dr. Jay Tilson officiating, assisted by Winston Arnold. Memorials may be made to Christ Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. The family entrusted the care of their loved one to Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO.

Noveline Laverne Burgess nee Martin

July 2, 1928 - June 22, 2023