Minister Bernice Gilliard Burwell

Minister Bernice Gilliard Burwell, age 81, of Buford, GA passed away Sunday, September 6, 2015.  She was preceded in death by her son, Keith Thompson; father, Jack Woods; mother, Charlotte Gilliard; sister, Peggy Henderson; and brother, Robert Woods.  She is survived by her grandchildren, Ameerah (Stephen) Davis, Buford, GA, Shavonne Leacock, NY, and Olatundia Thompson, NY; two great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sisters and brother-in-law, Kathy and Myles Brooks, Lawrenceville, GA, and Margaret Sadler, Buford, GA; brother-in-law, Raymond Henderson, Buford, GA; nieces, Erika Woods, Duluth, GA, and Keke Lott, Buford, GA; nephews, Stacey and Rahmeke Woods, Kenneth Stringer, Duluth, GA, Anthony Woods, Buford, GA, and Keenan Stringer, Buford; host of cousins and friends.  Mrs. Burwell was born November 21, 1934 in Buford, GA.  She was a graduate of Boys and Girls High School, Brooklyn, NY.  She was a retired caseworker from the State of New York.  She graduated from International Seminary, Lawrenceville, GA.  She was a member of Greater Mission Church, Buford, GA, where she was the Senior Choir Director and also served on the Sick and Shut-In Evangelistic Ministry.  She was a former member of Pilgrim Church, Brooklyn, NY where she was a choir member.  She served on the Mother Board at Union Baptist Church, Buford, GA.  Funeral service will be held Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home with Pastor Betty Sue Earls officiating.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan, Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.