Delia Mae (Little) Burgess

Mrs. Delia Little Burgess, the Matriarch, affectionately known as “Bigmama” was born February 10, 1930, in Scooba, Mississippi, to the late William and Luvenia Little. She departed this life on Thursday, January 23, 2025, surrounded by her children. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. In 1947, she met and married the love of her life, the Reverend Charlie Burgess, Sr. and joined the Bethel Colbert Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully until her health began to fail.

Mrs. Delia served in various capacities in Bethel Colbert Church: Sunday School Teacher, Young Matrons, Missionary Society, Senior Choir, and Vacation Bible School Teacher. She served on the Shoals Coalition for at-risk males advisory board, was a dedicated Poll Worker, and served on the Martin Luther King Scholarship Committee. She loved God, family, and people in general. Traveling, reading, and sewing were a few of her many passions. She enjoyed working in her flower gardens, fishing, and decorating.

Bigmama shared her love for Jesus with many people through letters, cards, phone calls, and personal conversations. Her heart’s desire was discipleship. She enjoyed sharing the Word of God.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Charlie Burgess, Sr.; parents, William and Luvenia Little; One sister, Irene Little Cook; three brothers, Willie Little, Joseph Little, and Jimmie Little; one great-granddaughter, Khalilah Burgess; one grandson, Quiandra Campbell; and one son-in-law, William Smith.

The Legacy: She leaves to cherish her memories, five loving and devoted children, Charlie Jr. (Vivian) Burgess, Thomas (Dorothy) Burgess, Perry (Edna) Burgess, Margaret Smith, and Jacqueline (Lloyd) Hampton; two brothers, Reverend Jessie Little and Arthur Little; three sisters, Bessie (John) Williams, Lillie (Charles) Davis, and Emma ( Ronnie) McGaha; thirteen grandchildren, Felicia Underwood, Angela Durden, Tyrell Smith, Thomas Burgess II, Derrick Burgess, Torrey Hampton, Celeste Hampton, Shayla Mbangowah, Christy Jackson, Jonathan Clark, Brandon Burgess. Amber Burgess, and Cedric Softley; twenty-two great-grandchildren, thirteen great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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