Merdean Edith Burgess, loving wife, mother, and beloved grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home on May 2, 2024. She was born in Morganton, NC on January 11,1937 to John and Lois Breedlove.
She lived a full and wonderful life. After graduating from Wake Forest University Nursing School, she worked many years as a registered nurse. She met her husband, Charles, in college and they were married in 1958. Charles’ B&O and CSX railroad career brought about thirteen relocation moves, which she happily embraced. They raised their two children, Heather and Greg, in Baltimore and Richmond before settling the family in Jacksonville in 1986. She was a long-time member of Fruit Cove Baptist Church and the Mandarin Garden Club. A Master Gardener, she loved gardening and sharing her love of plants and flowers with family and friends. She enjoyed collecting antiques and cooking delicious meals for her family. She served as a USA Swimming official, and enjoyed attending swim meets to watch her children and grandchildren compete. She was thrilled to watch her son, Greg, qualify for two U.S. Olympic swim teams. In the summer of 1992, she traveled to Barcelona, Spain with Charles and Heather where they watched Greg win an Olympic silver medal. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren and watching them grow up.
She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her. Her strength and love for her family will forever shine in their hearts. She is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Charles Burgess; her sister, Lucille Phelps; son, Greg Burgess, and daughter-in-law, Erika; daughter, Heather Moore, and son-in-law, James Moore; grandchildren, Anna and Olivia Moore; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
An interment service will be held at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218 on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wreaths Across America at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, or your local church.
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