Bertha Eloise Burgess

Bertha Eloise Burgess, 88, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Eloise was born on Backus Mountain, West Virginia, the firstborn daughter of the late Frank and Genevieve (Goddard) McClanahan.

She met her husband, Raymond, in Chicago, Il, and moved back to Oak Hill, to be closer to their family. Eloise and Ray had 3 children.

Eloise, also known as Bertha, finished her numerous years as a CNA, retiring from Plateau Medical Center after 17 years.

Eloise cherished her family and friends. Whether it be cooking them dinners, canning, or simply just spending precious time with them. She loved her gardens, always canning vegetables and berries, or cutting flowers to share.

She started her 50+ year membership at Central Ave. Church of God, which is now Mountain View Church of God. She carried many hats at church, with the ladies auxiliary, bible studies, The Young at Heart Group, choir, greeter, and etc.

In addition to her parents and her husband of 52 years, Ray, she was preceded in death by a sister, Georgia Perkins.

Left to cherish her memory is her children, Calvin W. McClanahan Jr., Larry McClanahan, and Cheryl Burgess Royal (Wes); siblings, C. Hubert McClanahan (June), Danese Hanley McClanahan, Frances Donelly, Shirley McDaniel, and Linda Goins; grandchildren, Levi Burgess, Katie Edwards, Larid Price (Kayla Coffman), and Jesi Jenkins (James); great-grandchildren, Hunter Burgess, Finley Burgess, Evelyn Burgess, Josie Jenkins, and Jade Jenkins; a special cousin, Kay Goddard; a dear friend, Carol Bailey Brown; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 2 PM, Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Mt. View Church of God with Pastor Kevin Taylor officiating. Entombment will follow at High Lawn Memorial Park.

Friends may call on the family at 1 PM, Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Mt. View Church of God.

Pallbearers will be grandson, Larid Price; and nephews, Dewayne Martin, Robert Atkins, Jason McDaniel, Roger Evans, Eric Dorsey, and honorary Blaine McClanahan.

The family would like to express their appreciation for Hospice Home Health for the great care and compassion they gave to Eloise.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.highlawnfuneralhome.com.