Sylvia Vivian Burgess

Sylvia Vivian Burgess, 97, of Bossier City, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023, at The Blake in Bossier. She was born on March 18, 1926, in Egan, Louisiana, to the late Martin and Alice Ann Regan Sepulvado. Sylvia was a long-time member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Bossier City, Louisiana. She was the treasurer of the Ladies Guild at St. Jude for many years.

Sylvia was preceded in passing by her parents; her beloved husband of seventy years, Raymond “Ray” Ulrich Burgess Jr.; one son, Bruce Burgess; one brother, J. T. Sepulvado and wife Dorothy; two sisters: Genevieve “Gen” Saul and husband Lamar, Betty Martin; and her son-in-law, Albert Wingate.

Left to cherish Sylvia’s beautiful memories are her three children: Linda Wingate, Raymond “Ray” Burgess III (Shefa), and Brian Burgess (Gail Warner) plus her daughter-in-law, Molly Burgess; seven grandchildren: Christine Jensen (Chris), Matthew Burgess (Natalie), Rachel Douglas (Robbie), Erik Wingate (Megan), Aaron Burgess, Lyra Graf (Marcus), and Kristen Hirst (Dick); fifteen great-grandchildren; along with many extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

Mother had many fond memories growing up in the country down in Egan, LA. She met the love of her life, our Dad, at a USO dance in Alexandria, LA in 1944. They were married for 70 years. Sylvia was a military wife, homemaker and our treasured Mother. She was a Brownie leader and quite the seamstress – making many of Linda’s dresses and mending/altering all of our clothes. She was active in the Air Force Officer’s Wives Club and helped plan, and enjoyed, many USAF squadron reunions over the years. After Dad retired Mother went to work – working part-time in the Credit department at Sears for 20 years. She was good with counting money! She was the St. Jude Ladies Guild Treasurer for many years and was very proud the Ladies Guild raised enough money to build a proper kitchen in our new church location.

The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to Dr. Allen Cox and staff at Louisiana Family Practice, Christus Hospice and also the staff of The Blake for their care for Mother. We are also especially thankful to Deenae, Helen, Marie and her other caregivers for their love and support.

The family will be welcoming guests for visitation on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from 10:30 AM until time for her Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM in the sanctuary of St. Jude Catholic Church, 4700 Palmetto Road, Benton, Louisiana 71006. Interment will immediately follow on the grounds of Hill Crest Memorial Park, 601 Hwy 80, Haughton, Louisiana 71037.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Ladies Guild, St Jude Catholic Church, 4700 Palmetto Road, Benton, Louisiana 71006.