Our mother, Pearl Burgess, had she lived, would be turning 100 on October 27, 2020.

    Pearl Myers Burgess was born on October 27, 1920 to Henry Carl Myers and Oscar Olivia Myers.

She was one of six children. She passed away (age 96) on May 31, 2017 and her funeral was June 4, 2017.

    She married M.L. (Billy) Burgess, Jr. on December 24, 1938. They had three daughters: Juanita Burgess Spillers  of Lake Jackson, TX; Billie Wynne Burgess Bruhn of Coldspring, TX and         Beverly Burgess Raymer of Orange, TX.

  Her legacy includes 5 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. She was an active member of McDonald Memorial Baptist Church in West Orange, TX. Her favorite hobby was writing poems and many were published in the County Record. She was honored by Senator Robert Nichols for her artistic contributions to Orange County in 2013. We were told that her poems encouraged and inspired many readers. Still today, many people tell us that they saved her poems and still read them.

We miss our Mother so very much.  Our family will be celebrating her "would be" 100th birthday by remembering all of the wonderful memories that she left for us!

Honoring a Poet

Written by Juanita Burgess Spillers, to honor our mother.

Years have passed and the time has come

To give honor for a job well done.

Old recollections, grand or sad;

The memories flowed from pen to pad.

The poems blessed people far and near;

Wise words sent to the heart's open ear.

Time away from hurry and cares,

Reflecting on the trek up life's stairs.

Rhymes celebrating country ways,

Seasons, weddings and the holidays.

Little things that make up life's joy;

Welcoming the baby girl or boy.

Looking back at the slower pace,

Time standing still, assessing the race.

Telling us with kind, gentle words

To consider God's care of the birds.

Reminding those with hearts to hear

That our God is always very near

To those climbing the stairs of life;

Confident He will end their long strife.

Encouraging the ones who fall

To pray to God and answer His call.

Thank you, Pearl, for blessing us all;

Your inspired words have helped us walk tall.