Sarah J. Burgess

Sarah Burgess, a devoted mother, grandmother, and beloved member of the Ellicott City community, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, at the age of 86, at the Ellicott City Health and Rehabilitation Center following a courageous battle with cancer.

Sarah’s life was marked by kindness, generosity, and joy. She loved cooking, gardening, shopping, cleaning, and babysitting neighborhood children. Known for her radiant energy, she also enjoyed dancing, laughing, and having a good time with friends. More than anything, Sarah was a caregiver at heart — she took care of everyone and made all feel welcome in her presence.

She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Robert Burgess Jr. (his late wife, Willie Burgess) and John Bethea (wife, Antionette Bethea); seven grandchildren, Lanetta Barnes, Alicia Ford (Tyron), Kia Bizzell, Eric Burgess, and Joan’ee, Tonika, and Elijah Bethea; ten great-grandchildren, Ebony Thompson, Jalen Ford, Tyshae Jackson, Shadae Davis, Janae, Johnae, Kendal, Kaycen, Kamari James, and Amir Burgess; four great-great-grandchildren, Autumn Thompson, Kylie Alexander, Khloe Alexander, and Miguel Alexander

Her loving spirit, warm heart, and joyful soul will be missed dearly but remembered forever.

The family requests friends and relatives visit the family owned Gonce Funeral Service, P.A., 4001 Ritchie Highway, on Thursday (July 24, 2025) 3PM to 5PM and 7PM to 9PM; and Pathway Church of God, 3800 9th Street, on Friday (July 25, 2025) 10AM- 11AM. The funeral service will begin at 11AM.

Feel free to express your condolences on her tribute wall.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sarah J. Burgess, please visit our floral store.