Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

January 6, 2023

CHARLOTTE – Beverly Burgess, 85, passed away at Southminster Retirement Community on Friday, January 6, 2023, after a lengthy illness.  She was born on September 26, 1937, to Ted and Thelma Van Zandt in New Brunswick, New Jersey. 

Beverly was a graduate of Millersville State Teachers College and taught elementary education for many years.  Her love of teaching and children was a life-long passion.

In April 1960, she married the love of her life, Frank Burgess.  They enjoyed 62 years of marriage and lived in Mobile, Alabama; Cincinnati, Ohio; Atlanta, Georgia; Wilmington, Delaware and Charlotte, NC.  They took trips all over the United States as well as Scotland; but her favorite place to go to was The Bahamas.

In addition to traveling, Beverly also enjoyed gardening.  Her flower pots were legendary.  She also enjoyed scrapbooking, needlepointing, and going to lunch with friends.  From 2001-2002, she served as President of The Charity League of Charlotte and was a member for many years. 

She is survived by her husband, Frank Burgess; her son, Eric Burgess and his wife, Paige; her “favorite” grandson, Turner Burgess and his fiancé, Maggie Strickland, both of which she was immensely proud.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Carol Van Zandt; niece, Kelly Atlee; nephew, Jeff Van Zandt and his wife, Monica; her special friend, Joy Powers, and many other friends.  Beverly was preceded in death by her infant daughter; Diane; infant grandson, Nathan; her parents; her brother, Jim, and her beloved golden retrievers Holly and Misty.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Southminster Retirement Community.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Mrs. Burgess to Southminster Community Fund, 8919 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210 or Charity League of Charlotte, Attn: Memorial Giving, PO Box 471332, Charlotte, NC 28247 or a charity of donor’s choice.