ELEANOR MAE BURWELL

Eleanor Mae Burwell

Mrs. Eleanor Mae Burwell, of Concord, VA quietly and peacefully in a wisp breath departed this worldly life's journey on Sunday, August 29, 2010, in the presence and comfort of family.

Sunrise for Eleanor was April 18, 1919. She was the oldest of three children born to the late Isiah Richard, Sr. and Mary Ward in Bedford County, VA. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her devoted and loving husband, William Burwell, Sr., two siblings, Isiah Richard Ward, Jr. and Ruth Ward Nixon and a son-in-law, Paul L. Patterson, Sr.

Eleanor began her Christian journey at a young age and was baptized at Western Light Baptist Church in Bedford County, VA. There she was a faithful member until she and her family relocated to the city of Roanoke, VA. There she became an active and faithful member of Pilgrim Baptist Church and served as a member of the missionary circle, Sunday school teacher, and deaconess until her and her husband's declining health impelled them to relocate, near their oldest daughter, in Concord, VA. After relocating to Concord she became a honorary member of St. James CME Church.

She leaves with loving memories to cherish her legacy and celebrate her ascent to the higher life, one devoted aunt, Otelia Wright of Bedford; two loving daughters, Barbara Patterson of Concord, VA and Mary Lewis of Bellflower, CA; two sons, William Burwell Jr., of Petersburg, VA and John Burwell (Winsome) of Charlotte, NC; 15 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; 10 great great-grandchildren; a special caretaker, Colotha Wilson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be conducted 12 noon, Thursday, September 2, 2010 at Pilgrim Baptist Church, Roanoke with Rev. Dwight O. Steele, Sr. officiating. Interment will be in the Old Dominion Memorial Gardens. Her remains will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the service. The family is receiving friends at the residence of her daughter, Barbara Patterson. The cortege will assemble at the church. Condolences may be emailed to comfuneral@aol.com Community Funeral Home directing.