Elizabeth M. Burford

Elizabeth M. Burford was born on December 24, 1939, to Melvin Burford and the former Elizabeth M. Lewis in Richmond, Virginia. She was reared in South Richmond’s Swansboro community and was affectionately known to family and close friends as “Sis.”

Elizabeth attended Richmond Public Schools and graduated from Armstrong High School in 1957 with the distinguished honor of valedictorian and served as class president. She continued her education at Virginia Union University and received her Bachelor of Arts in English Education in 1961, with the distinguished honors of cum laude and valedictorian.

Elizabeth became an educator and started her teaching career with Richmond Public Schools in elementary education and later in secondary education. She also held a Virginia Realtor’s license. Later, she relocated to Roanoke, Virginia and was a distinguished English teacher at William Fleming High School and retired with over 25 years of service. During her tenure at William Fleming, she was recognized as “Teacher of the Year” by Roanoke Public Schools. While employed, she was active with the Roanoke Education Association and attended the annual conventions of the Virginia Education Association. She later taught as an adjunct instructor at Virginia Western Community College. She remained active for many years and served as the assistant pianist for the Church School.

At an early age, Elizabeth was baptized at the First Baptist Church of South Richmond under Dr. W. L. Ransome. While in Roanoke, she joined Sweet Union Baptist church under Rev. E. T. Burton. As a youth, she was active in the Church School, junior missionaries, Girl Scouts and sang in the Twilight Chorus. Her immediate church activities extended her participation in the city-wide junior missionaries sponsored by the Baptist General Convention of Virginia and in the youth department of Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention, USA. Many life-long friendships were established within her school and church affiliated activities.

Elizabeth was an excellent seamstress and was always determined to create neat, well-executed suits and dresses. She enjoyed visiting her grandfather’s farm in Williamsburg, along with spending time with family members. She also had a love for dogs and had several beloved pets over the years.

Elizabeth is preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Joyce B. Wilson (John) and Michael A. Wilson, (nephew). She leaves to mourn: one son, Rev. Aaron L. Burford and wife, Min. Andrea of Suffolk, VA; one granddaughter, Alexia M. Burford of Howard University, Washington, D.C.; one niece, Sonia W. Thierry; one nephew, Timothy L. Wilson; two great nieces, Shari R. Wilson and Joyia R. Thierry; a host of cousins, among devoted, Phyllis L. Thomas, Dr. Elwood T. Lewis (Barbara), Lester B. Lewis (Corliss) James T. Johnson (Joyce), and Keira A. Johnson; and many close friends and admiring former students.