Edward E. Burrowes

June 12, 1942-April 8, 2024

Edward Ernest Burrowes, affectionately known as “Eddie,” was a faithful man of God. He was born on June 12, 1942, in Georgetown, British Guiana (presently Guyana), to Ernest and Olivia Burrowes and was brought up in Queenstown, as the sixth of seven children, in a loving, close-knit family. Eddie lived a full life centered on two unwavering ideals: “Love God, Love Others.” As one friend of the family stated, “He touched the hearts of so many people through his acts of kindness, patience and forgiveness, through his singing and laughter and his warm and welcoming spirit.”

As a child, he was extremely curious and demonstrated a love for people, a love of learning, and a fascination with the world. He taught himself to play the piano, and over time, he could play any tune by ear, honing chords and a distinctive style. He also began to sing, and would maintain his love of music throughout his entire life. Eddie attended Bedford Methodist Primary School, the L’ecole Nouvelle, and Cambridge Academy High School. After graduating, he spent a year as a student teacher at the Golden Grove Methodist School and later entered the Ministry of Education as an Accounts Clerk.

As a young person, Eddie developed a strong and lasting faith in God and a commitment to serving the Lord. He attended the East Street Brethren Assembly with his family and became involved with the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and later with Youth for Christ. Through these activities, Eddie met the person who would become the love of his life, Grace Weithers. Her big heart, beautiful smile, smarts, and sharp wit brought layers of spice and joy to his life. Eddie and Grace balanced each other in important ways, and were united in their love for the Lord.

They married in Guyana on October 3, 1970, and soon after moved to Brooklyn, NY. Their union blessed them with three wonderful children: Nicole, Natasha, and Jamaal. Eddie was deeply committed to being a loving and supportive husband and father. He and Grace raised their three children, opened their home to many, and were active in the Gospel Hall Assembly in Bedford Stuyvesant. Eddie served as a pianist, preacher, Sunday School teacher and youth worker, regularly building relationships with and mentoring young people, and providing transportation to people of all ages.

We also remember in a special way, his ministry in song as a member of the Gospel Messengers, a male ensemble, traveling many places in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, ministering at churches, schools, camps and conferences. Over the years, the Gospel Messengers produced several albums, including “The Gospel Messengers,” “Too Precious,” and “To The World,” as well as a few with the women’s group, The King’s Jewels.

Eddie worked for 30 years at the United Nations. He began his career there as a Clerk Messenger in 1967, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and being promoted to Associate Finance Officer to the UN Development Fund for Women. He retired from the UN in 1996 and became a licensed life insurance and securities agent.

After years of living in New York, Edward and Grace retired to Minneola, Florida in 2005, joining several of Eddie’s siblings. He served as bookkeeper for the Fund for Christian Service from 2011-2017. He enjoyed this work immensely as it allowed him to meet people doing transformative evangelical and humanitarian work and to support assemblies around the world.

After living in Minneola for several years, and serving in the Grace and Truth Bible Chapel in Orlando, he worked to help build Grace and Truth Bible Chapel (GTBC) in Brooksville, Florida before eventually moving to Spring Hill. Eddie served his home assembly GTBC faithfully and built deep bonds of friendship there. He handled all manner of duties, including often leading the prayer meetings and the Bible studies; preaching; playing the piano; handling the accounting; serving as the corresponding brother and making announcements; supporting ministries and helping with Vacation Bible School; organizing technological upgrades and repairs; and going out of his way to make new guests feel welcomed.

He continued to be a devoted husband, loving and caring for his wife Grace, through multiple challenges and losses, before having to face medical challenges of his own. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October 2023. The disease and treatment took a serious toll on him, but he continued to show up faithfully for his wife, family, and his beloved assembly in whatever ways he could. He continued to encourage people, pray for them, and show them love.

Eddie was peacefully promoted to glory at home on April 8, 2024, the day of the solar eclipse. One friend sweetly wrote: “Your dad is so loved that God is eclipsing the sun to remind people of your daddy’s light –like a sun moment of silence just for him!” Eddie’s life pointed people to the True Light of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ.

He is predeceased by his parents; elder sisters, Esther Burrowes and Grace Horton; his younger brother, Randolph Burrowes; and his son-in-law, Jonathan Iorga. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Grace; his children: Nicole Burrowes, Natasha Burrowes-Iorga, and Jamaal Burrowes; Jamaal’s partner Kempest McEachirn, and their child, Tyler Burrowes. He is also survived by his siblings: Marguerite Sharpe, Rose and Jean Burrowes; his close friends Emanuel “Viv” and Pam John; and an abundance of extended family and friends, including the members of Grace and Truth Bible Chapel.

When he meets his maker, Eddie can confidently quote the words of 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” We praise God for an example of a life well lived for His glory.

A visitation for Edward will be held Friday, April 19, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Grace & Truth Bible Chapel, 210 Bell Ave, Brooksville, FL 34601. A funeral service will occur Friday, April 19, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, 210 Bell Ave, Brooksville, FL 34601. A committal service will occur Friday, April 19, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Florida Hills Memorial Gardens, 14360 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, FL 34609.

Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86738303965?pwd=bWhIUWI0L2M4MEMyU21JazRKWFg1UT09

Meeting ID: 867 3830 39

Celebration of Life

in honor of

EDWARD E. BURROWES

(June 12, 1942 - April 8, 2024)

Friday, April 19th, 2024

Viewing - 11:00 AM EDT

Homegoing Service - 12:00 PM EDT

Grace & Truth Bible Chapel

210 Bell Avenue

Brooksville, FL 34601

Interment - Immediately following the service

Florida Hills Memorial Garden

14360 Spring Hill Drive

Spring Hill, FL 34609

*The repast will be held at Grace and Truth Bible Chapel following the interment.

Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86738303965?pwd=bWhIUWI0L2M4MEMyU21JazRKWFg1UT09

Meeting ID: 867 3830 39