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Doris Burwell Obituary

BURWELL
Doris Hayes Burwell passed away on January 7, 2014. She was born March 26, 1933, in Oxford, North Carolina. She graduated from Henderson Institute and went on to receive a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Shaw University and a Master's Degree in Special Education for the Blind and Deaf from Syracuse University. She married Thomas (Tom) H. Burwell in 1952. A passionate educator, teaching at the elementary level as she traveled with Tom, including a time in Alaska, during his 27 year Air Force career. Doris taught 4th grade at Leon Valley Elementary for 22 years. Doris loved enter-taining. Her home with Tom was the gathering place for extended family where singing was a favorite activity. She is survived by her devoted husband Thomas, her son John Burwell, her daughters Gloria Sanderson and Gayle Goldsmith, her brother Samuel Hayes, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her son Thomas E. (Eddie) Burwell. A visitation will be held Monday, January 13, 2014 from 6-8 P.M. and a Memorial Service on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 9:30A.M. at Sunset North Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 11:15A.M. To view the obituary in its entirety go to: www.sunsetnorthfuneral
home.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Antonio Express-News on Jan. 12, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Doris Burwell

Not sure what to say?





Vince Rodriguez

March 12, 2023

Dear Mrs. Burwell, I remember you as my 4th Grade Teacher at Leon Valley Elementary school. You had such an impact on me. I'll never forget you and your kindness. You taught so many of us, including my sister, Monica. Thank you. Rest in Peace, Mrs. Burwell. -Vince

MaryKay Ogden

March 18, 2014

Mr. Burwell, it's MaryKay from Pizza Hut. I recently came back to work at the restaurant and was told that you had lost Mrs. Burwell. I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Although I wasn't able to get to know your wife, there was always something very special about the two of you. I think of you often and pray that you and your family are doing ok. If there is ever anything in the world I can do for any of you, please let me know. In the meantime, though, all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Regina Hayes-Hanson

February 1, 2014

To the Burwell Family
keep alert stand firm in your faith be courageous be strong 1st Corinthians 16:13

Ryan Burwell

January 16, 2014

Hey grandma, it's Ryan. I miss you soo very much. I miss your smile, I miss your laugh and I miss your tenderness. I will always be thankful for the things you've taught me and the love you gave me. You truly are one of a kind and can never be replaced. Do me a favor a and tell my dad I love him too will you? It won't be for a long time, but one day we all will be together again for eternity and when that day comes, I will sing as much karaoke for you as you would like. Until then, you and my dad hold karaoke down for the Burwell's k. I Love You with all my heart grandma!

Gloria Sanderson

January 14, 2014

Thank you Lisa! We were gathered at the house after the funeral today reminiscing about Mom. I so enjoyed reading your message out loud to everyone. Thanks so much for sharing.

Lisa (Barnds) Smith

January 13, 2014

I was a student of Mrs. Burwell in 1977 (4th grade). I remember her kindness and generosity and especially her loving forgiveness. I once took a different bus home from school and not knowing it would get her in trouble I falsely accused her of letting us out late. My mother called the school to "yell at her" but discovered I had lied and blamed my teacher. I felt so bad, I could not wait to apologize to her. She graciously accepted my apology the next day and I vowed to be the best student I could be. She never judged me or held anything against me. She was a wonderful teacher in academics but more than that she cared about her students and inspired them to be their best. I loved her and she is definitely one of the outstanding teachers of my youth. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Peggy Berry

January 13, 2014

I taught with Doris for 25 years and she always had a smile. She was a fun-loving lady. She would occasionally lose her purse or her paycheck, so she provided plenty of laughs for her friends. She and Tom arranged a blind date for me and now we've been married 28 years.
Peggy & George Berry

Howard & Veretta Anderson

January 13, 2014

Tom Burwell and Family: Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time of grief. Look to the hills and know that your help is coming from the Lord. God bless you!

Nicole Johnston

January 13, 2014

I had Mrs. Burwell for 4th grade at Leon Valley in 1984-1985. She was such an amazing teacher and I was blessed to have her. God keep you Mrs. Burwell.

Kathy & Emil Kostelnik

January 13, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. We will always remember the nights of bowling with Doris and Tom. She will certainly be missed.

Joseph Saucedo

January 13, 2014

Mrs. Burwell,
I was a student of yours 1981 4th grade Leon Valley. My thoughts a prayers to you and your family.

Verita and Wesley Cloyd

January 13, 2014

Our love, thoughts and prayers surround you as we cherish the many memories of Aunt Doris and will always remember her joyous spirit, beautiful smile and big heart. Being together as family is very important and we still reminisce the fun camping trips in Alaska, the get-togethers in Texas and reunions that brought so much happiness. May God continue to bless you. With deepest sympathy, the family of Edwin and Doris Hayes

Trudy Linda Cantu

January 12, 2014

I taught with Doris at Leon Valley from 1985 until she retired.
She was a wonderful teacher and friend. I remember her being compassionate, caring, and a great listener!
She adored her family and shared many wonderful memories with me.
My heartfelt sympathy to Tom and the entire family at this time.
My prayers for peace and comfort are with you.

Mary L. Brett Wright

January 12, 2014

My heart and prayers goes out to you and your family with the passing of Doris.I will always remember the times we spent together in Hampton and in San Antonio. May God continue to bless as you continue with this journey called life. Doris will be missed but may she rest in peace.
Lovingly

Diana Sarfin

January 12, 2014

I taught with Doris 34 years ago at Leon Valley Elementary. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. I spoke with her in the last couple of years but we never got together. Rest in peace with the angels.

Thomas Burwell

January 12, 2014

Doris I am so sorry I didn't tell you every day and hour just how much you really filled my heart with love and joy. I will spend the rest of my life relating just how much your love truly meant to me.
Yours forever, Tom

Norris Kornegay

January 12, 2014

Her smile said it all. Doris was one of the kindest people you could ever meet. As a classmate in her freshman class at Shaw University, we were great friends. We later renewed the friendship when our families lived in Hampton, Va. Distance over the years did not dampen our mutual regard. We have fond. memories of the example of family Doris and Tom modeled for others. Rest in Heaven dear fried. My. Family and I extend our deepest sympathy and love.

Wesley Walker

January 10, 2014

I'll never forget the Hayes family reunion that Doris hosted in San Antonio twenty years ago. Condolences and I pray for strength and comfort for the family.

Raul Guevara

January 10, 2014

My Condolences to the Burwell family. May God continue to look over your family and loved ones. Sincerely, The Guevara Family

Diane Lauer

January 10, 2014

My heart goes out to you all. Doris was a great lady! I am proud to have had the honor to know and appreciate her. RIP.

Wende Walker

January 10, 2014

May God continue to give you comfort. From the family of Joseph and Ethel Walker.

I won the first grandbaby race (only by a few months). You were thrilled to be a grandma.

Gloria Sanderson

January 9, 2014

Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite, Mom. Time for me to help tuck you in now. Listen closely, I still sing to you all the time. I love and miss you so much. Thank you for being the best Mother and Grandmother anyone could ask for.

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