Mary Ann “Tootsie” Burgess, age 75

Mary Ann “Tootsie” Burgess, age 75, of Forest City, NC, passed away Saturday, February 8, 2014.

Born July 25, 1938 in Rutherford County, NC, she was a daughter of the late Luther Phillip Henson and Jessie Rice Henson. She worked for Cone Mills for thirty-five years and had attended Holly Springs Baptist Church.  Mary Ann enjoyed working on puzzle books and was an avid Atlanta Braves fan. She loved spending time with her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by daughter, Denise Stacy Burgess; three sisters, Aundrea Tucker, Vivian Blanton, Sue Reid and two brothers, Dale Henson and Doug Henson.

Survivors include her husband of fifty-four years, Hubert “Koon” Burgess; son, Bobby Dean Burgess of Mooresboro; three brothers, Steven Henson of Danieltown, Hoyle Henson and Randy Henson both of Rutherfordton.  She is also survived by two grandchildren, Ashley Wilson and Amy Wilson and two great-grandchildren, Heath Smith and Zaylee Smith.

Funeral services were conducted at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Ernie Cole and Reverend Wade Huntley officiating.  Interment followed in Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Josh Peacock, Brandon Wilson, Brandon Davis, Clint Smith, Michael Green and Jimmy “Hacksaw” Reynolds.

Memorial donations are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.