Carol T. Burgess

Carol accepted Christ at an early age, and was a graduate from Southwest Dekalb High School and became a member of Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Atlanta, GA in 1986.

Carol was the sole owner of A New You Hair Salon, after becoming the first person in the State of Georgia to obtain a license in Master Cosmetology while incarcerated in 1991. She was married to her wife, Jennifer Burgess on October 7, 2016 by Bishop-Elect Sonya E. Williams.

Along with her wife, Carol was the owner of Team One Transportation, LLC, Styles by Jenise, C.L.E.A.N. Burn Candles and other businesses. Carol was very talented, and mastered many crafts such as crocheting, her dolls, sewing, teaching, and doing hair and makeup.

Carol had a heart of gold when it came to helping others. She touched, and inspired many lives, especially the ones of her church family, her clients, and close friends. If you needed it, and Carol had it, she gave it without hesitation. Her passion was serving The Lord, and making herself available to others, whether it was to talk, pray, or to just listen.

Carol became a member of Real Inspiration Ministries UCC in 2016, and held roles of an ordained minister, and she was a lead intercessor. She continued her Theological education through Real Inspiration Ministries and was a 2018 graduate; she was also a Youth Director, and also co-wrote Rim’s 2018 Christmas Play with her Bishop Elect. She was also was head of Rim’s Dance Ministry. Her favorite bible verse is, Jeremiah 29:11

She leaves to cherish her memory; her wife, Jennifer E. Burgess, mother, Yvonne Hillman, children; Lafayette D. Thomas, Irish N. Thomas, Everline Y. Thomas, Treasure O. Thomas, Dequan M. Johnson, Trevon f. Johnson, grandchildren; Evan Thomas, Caroline Jenise Thomas, Ja’Khari Williams, Kni’Asia Williams, Khalil Thomas, Nyla Thomas, sister, Pamela Thomas-Dixon (Byron), brother, Christian B. Hillman, and a host of nieces, nephews, loving family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, December 30th from 4-7 PM at Tara Garden Chapel Funeral Home, 681 North Avenue, Jonesboro, GA 30236.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, December 31st at 1 p.m. at Real Inspiration Ministries, 659 Larkin Street, SW, Atlanta, GA 30314. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.taragardenchapelfuneralhome.com for the Burgess family.