Susie Burgess

Susie "Pat" Witcher Burgess, 85, departed this earthly life on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, after a lengthy illness.She was preceded in death by her husband, David Burgess; parents, Andrew Sr. and Dora Witcher; brothers, Andrew Jr., Luke and Hollis Witcher; sisters, Lucy Smith and Rosie Mae Barnett.Survivors include devoted daughter and faithful caregiver, Dorothy Burgess; sons, Demetrius (Glenda) Burgess, Bishop Andrew (Ann) Sims; grandchildren, Steven (Mercedes) Ward, Michelle Ward Starling, Adriane Burgess, all of Chattanooga; sisters, Helen Woodyard, La Grange, Ga., Louise Hubbard, Christine Barnes, both of Chattanooga, Corrine Witcher, Chicago, Ill.; brother, Willie Witcher, La Grange, Ga.; sisters-in-law, Ester Witcher, Gloria Witcher, both of Chattanooga, Margaret Crockett, of Gary, Ind.; assistant caregiver, Stephanie Penn; and a host of other relatives and friends.The family would like to thank NHC, Hospice of Chattanooga, Arkridge, Standifer Place and St. Elmo Missionary Baptist Church.Graveside services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, at Greenwood Cemetery with Pastor Billy Church, officiating.The body will lie in state after noon today at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.