William Bernard Burley

Mr. William Bernard Burley peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Sunday evening, April 18, 2004, at the Forsyth Medical Center cancer unit in Winston-Salem. He was born Jan. 28, 1942, in Reidsville to Robert and Arvelia Burley. William was a Watchcare member of Second New Bethel Baptist Church. He was an employee of the Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County school system for more than 20 years. He was a member of the Sethos Temple 170 and the Olympic Masonic Lodge 795 before his illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Arvelia Burley; a brother, Solomon O. Burley; a sister, Linda Burley Ruffin; and a niece, Jovita Burley. Left to cherish fond memories are his wife, Christene C. Burley of Hampton, Va.; his two loving daughters, Wendy I. Burley of Herndon, Va., and Nicole M. Burley of Hampton, Va.; a foster son, Michael (LaTavia) Ruffin of Winston-Salem; a sister, Edna E. Archie of Center Cross, Va.; four brothers, Clarence (Doris), Robert J. (Barbara J.) and Curtis (Peggy) of Newport News, Va., and Arvenia R. Burley of Center Cross, Va.; a grandchild, Milan T. Ruffin; numerous uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and other relatives; and a very special and devoted friend, Ms. Dianne Goins of Winston-Salem and her two precious daughters, Ashley and Alexandria Hawkins. Mr. Burley may be viewed Wednesday, April 21, at Russell Funeral Home. A homegoing celebration will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 24, at Walters Temple AME Zion Church in Newport News, Va., with the Rev. Ronald and the Rev. Linda McRae of Winston-Salem officiating. The family will receive visitors from today, April 20, to Wednesday, April 21, at the home of Ms. Dianne Goins, 3501 Beacon Hill Drive, Apt. C., Winston-Salem. The family of William Burley would like to thank all the doctors and nurses of Forsyth Medical Center cancer unit for all their assistance and support during his illness. (Russell)