Portia Lee Burgess

Shiloh, NC---

Portia Lee McPherson Burgess, 92, of the Old Trap community of Camden County, NC, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 14, 2024. 

Mrs. Burgess was born in Camden County on August 17, 1932, and was the daughter of the late Winfred McPherson and Alida Gregory McPherson Burgess. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Norman Burgess; her husband of 72 years, Wilse B. Burgess; her son, Aubrey Burgess; a grandson-in-law, Donell White; and by her brother-in-law, Walt Eley. Her sister, Norma Rae Eley, passed away the day after Mrs. Burgess, on Sunday, September 15, 2024.

Retired as a bookkeeper, she assisted her husband in his masonry business for 40 years and with other area businesses through the years. A faithful member of Wesley Methodist Church, she also enjoyed membership in both the Elizabeth City Shrinettes and the Elizabeth City Chapter #44 of The Order of the Eastern Star. Other enjoyments included her love of sewing, making crafts, helping others in her neighborhood, and assisting with the Old Trap Community Club where she helped maintain and care for the facility.

Surviving are her son, Grant Burgess (wife, Kathryn) of Elizabeth City; her daughter-in-law, Vickie Burgess of Shiloh; a sister, Phyllis Lane, also of Shiloh; two granddaughters, Kristi White and Allison Evans; three great-grandchildren, D.J. (wife, Janah), Ayden, and Ava; a great-great- granddaughter, Avery; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A memorial service will be held Monday, September 23, at 11:00 a.m. in Wesley Methodist Church and will be conducted by Pastor Wayne Wood. A private inurnment will be in New Hollywood Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family in the Old Trap Community Club immediately following the service on Monday.

Memorial contributions may be made either to Wesley Methodist Church, 1389 NC 343 South, or to the Old Trap Community Club, in care of Mike and Gayle Perry, 1433 NC 343 South, both in Shiloh, NC 27974.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, is assisting the family with arrangements, and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.