Dorothy Burgess

Dorothy (Dot) Burgess, 101, went home to be with the Lord January 22, 2026. She grew up in Greenville, VA. At an early age she was encouraged by her Sunday School teacher to memorize Psalm 91, which became her personal life Scripture and one she continued to quote for the rest of her life.

A graduate of the Medical College of Virginia’s School of Nursing in Richmond, Dot briefly held nursing positions in Staunton, VA. To begin to fulfill her dream to see the world, she accepted a position at a hospital in Los Angeles, CA. In her early 20s, she traveled alone by bus from Virginia to California, with overnight stops planned along the way to see parts of the United States. While in Los Angeles, she became involved with a dynamic church youth group that challenged and encouraged her faith. At a youth conference focused on missions, she heard God call her to missions and accepted a position as a resident nurse to direct a small health clinic in rural Big Lick, Tennessee. While serving there, she met a young man studying agriculture at Tennessee Tech, Marvin Burgess. Marvin knew immediately that this new nurse was sent for him. Their marriage would span 66 years, until his death in October 2017.

She was also able to fulfill her childhood dream of seeing the world by visiting many foreign countries, in addition to 48 states. She was delighted to see God’s creation, including Alaska, the Holy Land and other countries significant to her Christian faith.

Dot faithfully served the Lord, teaching Sunday School and Bible studies in the Columbia community. She always gave thanks to God for His leading and lived her life in obedience to His call. Dot was aware that God gave her extra years, and with that, a clear task, “Get My Word out.” Chiefly through ministries of Cornerstone, she was delighted to make Bibles available to those who did not have one.

Dot is survived by four children: Kim Burgess (Barbara) of Roanoke, VA; Steve Burgess (Teresa) of McDonough, GA; Brent Burgess (Debbie) of Carrollton, GA; and Cindy McGougan (Joe) of Mt. Pleasant, SC. Dot is also survived by seven grandchildren: Justin and Lindsay Burgess, Amanda and Ryan Burgess, Brittney Burgess Martin and Brandon Burgess, and Caitlin McGougan Barrs; 10 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

The family gives heartfelt thanks to the wonderful nurses at Lexington Medical Center, South Tower, and to her “church daughters” who gave her loving care for many years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cornerstone Presbyterian Church Missions.