Laura Mae Burgess

In Loving Memory of Laura Mae Burgess June 10, 1936 – January 18, 2026 ________________________________________ Obituary Laura Mae Burgess, age 89, of Upper Marlboro MD, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026. She was born on June 10, 1936, in Johnston County, NC, to Minger Alfred and Louezannie Holder. Laura was a woman of remarkable dedication to education and service. She graduated from Richard B. Harrison School in Selma, NC, and continued her pursuit of knowledge throughout her life. She attended business school, completed IBM training, and earned her Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) certification from the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). Her passion for nurturing young lives led her to complete Early Childhood certification, and she proudly owned and operated her own childcare center, touching the lives of countless children and families. Laura's spiritual calling deepened when she attended Bible Institute, where she became an ordained Minister, answering God's call to serve His people. In January 1958, Laura married the love of her life, Taylor Burgess. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, ministry, and music. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister who cherished every moment spent with family. Mother Burgess, as she was affectionally called was a quiet, humble, and obedient servant of God. She possessed a peaceable, easy-going spirit that drew people to her. She spoke only good things to everyone she encountered, and even in her final days, kind words flowed from her lips. Faith was the foundation of her home. She made church attendance and active participation a priority, raising her family to know and love the Lord. Music was one of Mother Burgess's greatest joys. She played the keyboard alongside her beloved husband, who played guitar, and together they glorified God with their hearts and hands. Her love for Jesus was evident in every conversation, and she was always ready to share His love with anyone who would listen. Throughout her life, Laura served others with grace and compassion, in the church, the community, the medical field, and through childcare. Her life was a living testimony of Matthew 25:40: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Laura was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Taylor Burgess; her daughter, Cecilia Burgess Aiken; and her siblings: Roosevelt Williams, James Holder, Joseph Holder, Gayzell Stancil, Seavenis Holder, Maezell Johnson, Sylvester Holder, Eula Ackles, Lonnie Holder, Sylvia Neal, Ransome Holder, Elizabeth Holder, and Addie Holder. She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her children, Celeste Richardson (Kevin), Cedric Burgess, and Cassandra Mize; 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Julia Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends whose lives she touched. Mother Burgess' warmth, wisdom, and love will be deeply missed but never forgotten. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and unconditional love that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

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Laura Mae Burgess

June 10, 1936 - January 18, 2026