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 on 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, Calif.; two sons, William Burwell Jr., of Petersburg, Va., and John Burwell (Winsome), of Charlotte, N.C.; 15 grandchildren; 35 greatgrandchildren; 10 greatgreat-grandchildren; a special caretaker, Colotha Wilson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A Funeral Service will be conducted at noon on Thursday, September 2, 2010, at Pilgrim Baptist Church, Roanoke with the 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 the family at comfuneral@aol.com Community Funeral Home directing.