Mrs. Bertha Mae Kellum Burgess was born February 18, 1949 in Osceola, AR to the late John Kellum Sr. and Georgianna Robertson Kellum. The family later moved to New Madrid, MO where she was raised. She married James Andrew Burgess who preceded her in death.

Sis, as she was lovingly called, worked at the New Madrid Head Start for many years. Sis gained her wings on Friday, October 7, 2022. She was loved by all who knew her.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories two sons; James (Dorothy) Burgess of Jacksonville, FL and Melvin (Della) Burgess of Lilbourn, MO. One step-daughter; Freda Hall of St. Louis, MO. One daughter-in-law; Louisa Burgess. Two sisters; Rosemary (Carl) Graham of Bowling Green, KY and Connie Simmons of Dexter, MO. Four brothers; Elbert (Cynthia) Pop Kellum and John Jr. (Dorothy) Kellum of Jacksonville, FL, Charles (Brenda) Kellum and Lonnie (Willetta) Kellum of New Madrid, MO. 17 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Preceding her in death were her youngest son, Patrick Burgess; her parents, John Sr. and Georgianna Kellum; sisters, Ethel Silas, Archie D. Kellum, Dorothy Kellum Word, and Johnnie Mae Kellum (Holmes); brothers, Melvin Kellum and Joseph Kellum; one great grandson, JaMarcus McFarland (Rabbit).