Willie Mae Burden

Willie Mae Burden was born in Cheraw, South Carolina to parents, Willie J. Thomas and Francis E. Harris and her parents birthed from their hearts John W. Smith and Sarah F. Smith on October 16, 1955. Willie Mae attended Chesterfield, County Schools and graduated from Cheraw High School in 1973. After High school, she entered the work field at Saconey Manufacturing Plant where her passion for sowing began. On September 26, 1976, her first true love, Nosakhere K. Harris was born, and all who knew her, knew that her love for her son was admirable. It was love at first sight! Willie Mae whom her family and friends affectionately called “Toot” had a jovial spirit and nurturing heart. She was known to her community as “ The Coupon Queen” but to her family, she was the GLUE between family gatherings. In 1984, she moved to Florida, and later married The Reverend Gregory T. Burden on August 10, 1989. From their union, together they reared a blended family. Toot shared a close relationship with her family, and always provided them with unconditional love, support, a helping hand, words of encouragement, and even all of the “coupon goods”, if you don’t know, ask about it. Gregory exemplified the true meaning of the phrase, “through sickness and in health”. She was a devoted wife to her, until her timely death. Willie Mae’s vocational skills showcased a wide range of talents. In 1986, she ventured into her employment at Orlando World Center Marriott where she worked for over 20 years. In 2002, her passion for nurturing others, “Tots 4 Toot” was established. Eventually, her love for her spoiled grands and their demanding extracurricular activities led to her decision to close her childcare center and retire. Willie Mae will always be remembered as a woman of God. She demonstrated an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. She was an active and faithful member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Winter Garden, Florida. She served faithfully and untiringly on several artilleries: Deaconess, Minister Wives and Widows, Trustee Ministry, Pastor’s Aide, Sunday School, Culinary Committee, Transportation Ministry, and Youth Ministry. She was an intricate part of Bethlehem Food Bank Ministry and Bethel. The Butterfly Garden belongs to God. He decides when the butterflies are ready to be released. Willie Mae was preceded in death by her parents Willie J. Thomas and Frances E. Harris; her parents birthed from their hearts John W. Smith and Sarah F. Smith; Sister, Shirley A. Little, Brother, Donnie E. Harris, and Sister, Carolyn Harris Gary. On Monday, February 17, 2025, God opened the stairways to heaven and released a beautiful butterfly from His Butterfly Garden. Willie Mae leaves memories that will be cherished forever by her faithful husband: Gregory Thornton Burden; devoted and only Son, Nosakhere (Tandrika) Harris; Three loving Grandchildren: Drakkar (Gyriah), Nosharai, Nasiah Harris; three precious Great-grandchildren: Zahir and Zaiyln Harris, Zhuri Gibbs; Daughter, Rosland Burden and her 4 children of Sacramento, California; Son, Britton Burden and his 4 children of Atlanta, Georgia. Beloved Siblings: Jimmy (Dorthy) Harris of Cherew, South Carolina, Diane (Allen) Jones of Seneca, South Carolina; Valarie (Robert) Gregory of Greenville, South Carolina; Ronnie (Annette) Harris, of Odenton, Maryland; Elvis Telfair; Sue F. Harris, Janet G. Tilman of Cheraw, South Carolina; Sharon D. Thomas of Charleston, South Carolina. Brothers-in-law: Nathaniel Pugh, of Jacksonville, Florida; Earl J. (Darlene) Thompkins, of Madison, Florida. Supportive nephew, Terrance Harris; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives, many sorrowing friends, and her church family. Upon the fulfillment of her appointed day on earth, God summoned Willie Mae as stated, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31.

Tributes

Willie Mae Burden

October 16, 1955 - February 17, 2025