Winifred Burress

MARION -- Winifred Burress, 97, peacefully left us at 5:05 a.m. Saturday, July 30, 2011, at Country Acres Assisted Living Center in Marion, where she had been lovingly cared for over the past year.

Winifred Burkhart Burress was born Wednesday, Nov. 12, 1913, in Marion, the daughter of William Spiller Burkhart and Jessie May (Brainerd) Burkhart. She always pointed out that her birthday was easy to remember as 11-12-13. Winifred grew up in her parents' family home on North Market Street and resided there for 96 years.

She attended Marion schools and was awarded the silver key her senior year in high school. She was united in marriage to Henry Burress on Jan. 1, 1938, in Benton, and they shared 65 years of marriage until his death June 23, 2002.

Winifred was one of the oldest members of The First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ in Marion, and although unable to attend for many years, continued to support the church. Her family had been members of the church since its inception.

She attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale, at that time known as Southern Illinois Normal, and received her Bachelor's, Master's and Teaching Specialist Certificate from there as well. She taught in the Marion school system for more than 30 years and retired in 1976, and she enjoyed her last few years of teaching with the Title program under the direction of her dear friend Kathleen Pape. They remained good friends and enjoyed daily conversations for many years beyond the classroom.

Winifred enjoyed flowers and gardens and was able in her retirement years to travel with friends to places that she had always wanted to visit. She enjoyed life and found happiness in little things that might have gone unnoticed by a casual observer. Her interest in antiques was another reason for travels, and she managed to find wonderful treasures at each outing. She took classes on antiques each time they were offered and could give advice regarding many items that were brought to her for her opinion.

She was a member of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association, a 20-year member of Marion Garden Club, Williamson County Historical Society and John A. Logan Antique Club.

She was a wonderful mother and grandmother and loved being with her grandsons. Throughout their younger years, she always kept up with their many interests and always attended their activities as long as her health permitted. She was so proud of her family and was happy to be a great-grandmother and always loved participating in the many family gatherings. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren always called her "Gramoo" and addressed cards and invitations to her in this manner.

Her family will always carry wonderful memories of her and realize the happiness they shared together throughout her 97 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry Burress; and brother, Bill Burkhart and sister-in-law, Juanita Winters.

She leaves her daughter, Phoebe Ellen Bursua and husband, Richard, of Marion; her grandsons, Brian Bursua and wife, Angela, of Berwyn, and Adam Bursua and his wife, Vika, of Riverside; great-granddaughters, Arden Grace Bursua, Elia Phoebe Bursua; great-grandson, Oscar Truman Bursua; her first cousin, Kate Daniel of Colorado Springs, Colo.; as well as nieces, Judy Smoot and husband, Mike, of Elmhurst, Jan Eigenrauch and husband, Steve, of Marion, and Nancy Richter of Muskogee, Okla.; and nephew, Dr. Wendell Winters of San Antonio. She is also survived by a great-niece named for her, Winifred Evelyn Wilkinson; and other extended family members and many friends.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1, in Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, with the Rev. Bill Rucker presiding. Interment will be next to her husband in Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion. A time of visitation for family and friends will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1, at the funeral home.

Arrangements for Winifred B. Burress have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., of Marion.

For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to either Hospice of Southern Illinois or First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ. Memorial contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959.

To leave an online condolence or memory, visit ww.wilsonmcreynolds.com.