Iris Teal Burgess

Mrs. Iris Teal Burgess North Augusta, SC—Memorial Services for Mrs. Iris Teal Burgess, 55, of White Oak Drive, North Augusta, SC, who died December 30, 2005, at her home after a ten year long battle with spindle cell sarcoma, will be conducted Saturday morning at 11 o’clock from the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Pastor James K. Glander officiating. Interment in Pineview Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Iris Burgess was born Iris Gwendolyn Teal on October 18th, 1950 in Camden, SC. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey S. Teal, nurtured Iris in a loving and giving environment that helped her to become a truly great woman. She attended Lexington Elementary School, Hand Junior High School, and Dreher High School. She was a graduate of the University of South Carolina, possessing a BA and MA in Early Childhood Education. After graduating from USC, Iris Teal married Craig Burgess and spent thirty-five years being the most loving and devoted wife. Her marriage brought about other new roles over the course of thirty-five years, those of mother and grandmother. Iris Burgess was a warm and caring mother to her two daughters, Kjarstie and Kristina. Her love continues to comfort them, even though she has passed on. Although the last few years of Iris’s life were extremely taxing on her mind and body, there was one thing that consistently brought her joy: being a grandmother. The hugs, kisses, laughter, and happy memories that were brought about by Granny Iris will live on forever not only in the heart of her grandson but in the hearts of all her loved ones. Mrs. Burgess left a legacy of love and kindness with all who had the privilege of knowing her. She used her many gifts to improve whatever situation she found herself in. Although her generous and giving nature knew no bounds, Iris felt that she could do the most good through teaching children. She taught kindergarten for twenty-seven years in Aiken County with unyielding enthusiasm and passion. Her presence in the school system enriched the lives of bother her students and her colleagues. Following recommended medical treatment, Mrs. Burgess reluctantly retired from the public school system in 1996. Iris Burgess also used her many talents in the name of the Lord. She had various roles and positions in her beloved Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, including: Sunday School Teacher, Hand Bell Choir member, Church Council, Ruth Circle member, co-coordinator of Ladies Night Out, and Director of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Preschool Program. She also volunteered for the Lydia Project and participated in Relay for Life through her church. Her natural ability to bring peace ad happiness to people as well as her devotion to God caused Iris to be frequently called an “Earth Angel.” There is no doubt that Iris Burgess is now in the company of heavenly angels. Survivors include her husband of thirty-five years, Craig Michael Burgess; two daughters and a son-in-law, Catherine Kjarstie and Joseph Robert Puetz and Kristina Teal Burgess, and grandson, Joseph Robert Puetz II, all of North Augusta; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey S. Teal; a sister, Teresa Teal Boswell, and a brother, Marshall Dennis Teal, all of Columbia; nephews, Eric Pope, Bartley Boswell, Brooks Boswell, and Stuart Teal; nieces, Anne Booth, Beth Paetow and Kelly Teal; great-nephews, Ryan Burgess, Andrew Booth and Jackson Boswell. Honorary Pallbearers will be Joseph R. Puetz, Eric Pope, Bartley Boswell, Brooks Boswell, Stuart Teal, and Stephen Armstrong. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday evening from 6 to 8. Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Children’s Ministry, 1002 Carolina Avenue, North Augusta, SC 29841 or the Lydia Project, 1321 Arsenal Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904. Stephen D. Posey Funeral Home of North Augusta in charge of arrangements (803-278-1181). Visit the registry online at www.poseyfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Iris Teal Burgess

October 18, 1950 - December 30, 2005