Mr. John Edward Burgess, was born September 09, 1952 to the late Effie Lee Smith Blake and Marion Mouzon. He was reared and adopted by his grand aunt Arlene Rush Singletary Burgess.

He was raised and nurtured in Olanta, South Carolina. He received his formal education, graduating with a high school diploma. He was a member of Hickory Grove A.M.E. Church. John Edward was employed with Donald Smith Construction and Raymond Fulton Farms for many years.

John was joined in holy matrimony to the late Mary Katharine Evans Burgess, this union was blessed with five children.

He departed his earthly vessel for his eternal rest on Friday, October 06, 2017 at Agape Hospice House, Columbia, South Carolina.

Loved ones that preceded him in death; his mother Effie Lee Smth Blake, father Marion Mouzon, his adopted mother Arlene Rush Singletary Burgess, and Edward Prince Smith.

He leaves to cherish his memories thee loving daughters; Minette Burgess, and Janella Shields, both of Columbia, South Carolina and Shaundrey (Wendell) Conyers of Perry, Georgia; two sons John Edward Burgess, Jr. (Nora) of Kansas City, Missouri and Marion Burgess of Lovett, Texas; stepbrother Bishop Bobby Mouzon of Boston, Mass., stepsister Marilyn Mouzon of Rhode Island, one grand aunt Maude Rush of Kingstree, SC; three uncles Rev. Malachi (Barbara) Smith, Arthur McKnight and Raymond Fulton, one sister-in-law Doretha Smith, 13 grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends. A special thanks to McLeod Regional Medical Center Third Floor Staff Florence, SC; Agape Hospice of Columbia, SC and the Carriage House of Sumter, SC.