Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:28-31 NKJV
On April 23, 2023, Thelma Marie Burge was promoted to heavenly glory and entered the presence of the Lord. Thelma was born on October 25, 1933, to William Richardson and Irene McGrew in Jefferson, Alabama. She was the oldest of six children. During her formative years, she attended Dunbar High School in Alabama, and being a bright student, she graduated at age fifteen. Thelma went on to attend Spaulding Business College.
In 1948, at the tender age of fourteen, Thelma met the love of her life, Fred Burge, Jr. They married in 1953 when she was nineteen and were married for fifty-eight years. To this union were born three sons: Frederick, Gregory, and Christopher. Thelma enjoyed a productive career as a telephone operator for ATT. The Burges lived in New York for over thirty years, first in East Harlem and then on Long Island, before moving to Atlanta, Georgia. In 1996, Fred and Thelma moved to Sharpsburg, Georgia, to enjoy retirement.
At a young age, Thelma believed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, gave her heart to the Lord, and was saved. She was a devoted and supportive wife and mother, and she presided over her home with love and encouragement and led her sons in faithfully serving the Lord. The Burge family joined the Jackson Memorial AME Zion Church in Hempstead, NY, where the late Bishop Clarence Carr was the pastor. At Jackson Memorial, Thelma was very active in the church and served as a Sunday school teacher, Trustee, and member of the Choir. In 1998 after moving to Georgia, Fred, and Thelma joined Shaw Temple A.M.E. Zion Church in Smyrna, Georgia.
Thelma had a radiant countenance and was blessed with an infectious smile, a beautiful face, and loving nature that was welcoming to everyone. A master encourager, Thelma was always smiling, speaking to people, giving hugs, and talking to anyone who crossed her path. Her infectious smile and love for others reflected her relationship with God.
Although a woman of humble beginnings, Thelma lived an extraordinary life, traveling the world, dining at the White House, and marching in Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thelma’s love and generosity did not only belong to her family, church, and close friends. Thelma believed in doing for others. There was not any project or program that Thelma did not in some way support.
Psalm 90:10 states, “As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years.” Thelma exceeded this blessing, having celebrated her eighty-ninth birthday last year.
Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Jr., and her sons, Frederick Daryl and Gregory Dwaine. Thelma leaves to cherish her memory her son Christopher Lance (Natalia); granddaughters Adonaiah and Elliana; sister, Dorothy Jean Evans; brothers James McGrew and Leon McCampbell; sister-in-law Dandy Lajoie; cousin Stella Davies and a host of other cousins, nephews, nieces, in-laws, friends, and her Shaw Temple AME Zion Church Family.
Thelma Burge was a true Proverbs 31 woman--she was an exemplary wife to her husband, a heroine to her sons, a faithful servant to her church, and a woman who showed unparalleled compassion for her fellow man. She touched the hearts of many people with her loving spirit and generous nature and blessed everyone with her trademark warmth and unforgettable smile. Thelma Burge leaves a legacy of love.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnfuneralhomemg.com for the Burge family.
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