Helen Louise Burnett

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Helen Burnett Obituary

Our beloved Helen Louise Lawrence Burnett, affectionately called "Boots," by family and friends, passed away quietly in her home on September 26, 2009. Boots was born on October 31, 1922, in Wilmington, North Carolina to Alexander Lawrence and Olga Exum Lawrence. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Richard, and younger sister, Olga Jacobs ("Sister"). Boots is survived by two daughters, Marjorie Byers (Bernard) of Colorado Springs, and Rachel Lakes-Bingham (Joseph Gilmore) of Pembroke Township, Illinois; four grandchildren Olga Victoria Lakes-Battle (Ken) of Flossmoor, Illinois, Joy Byers of Colorado Springs, Kelli Byers Hooper (Virgil) of Atlanta, Georgia and Bernard Byers, Jr. (Neely) of Pueblo; and six great-grandchildren, Rachel Byers, Jasmine Byers, Sydney Battle, Josephina Boston, Samuel Hooper, and Shawne Byers. Boots was a lover of history and a true advocate for education. She was educated at Barber- Scotia College, College of Wooster, Johnson C. Smith and Atlanta University. Her teaching career spanned 50 years.She was the founding member of the Chicago Genealogical Society at the DuSable Museum of African American History. She was the founding member of the Chicago chapter of the Continental Societies, Inc., and was an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., from her induction 1943 until her passing. In 1978, she was named by the NAACP as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in America. Helen accepted Christ in her life at Chestnut Street Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, North Carolina. After relocating to Colorado Springs, she became an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs. Omega-Omega Services were held yesterday at First Presbyterian Church. Viewing will be held at Swan Law Funeral Home, 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, 80903, on Friday, October 2, 2009 from 12:00 to 1:30 pm followed by funeral services at 2:00 pm.

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Published by The Gazette from Oct. 1 to Oct. 2, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Burnett

6 Entries

October 29, 2009

Dear Margie and Rachael,

Mother,Rudy,Lynn and I are truly
saddened to hear of our beloved "Boots'" passing. What can one say adequately about an individual who played an important role in one's educational and spiritual upbringinnig?

My family in one way or another was profoundly touched by Boots. I can truly reminist about my first trip to Willmington, eating for the first time, Liver Puding made Grandpa Lawrence, or going to Belks where Grandma Olga worked, or going to see the oldest live oak Christmas tree with ornaments I had never seen before. What an adventure for me.

Our Boots was one of a kind, deserving all accolades bestowed to her.

Mother was profoundly saddened to hear Boots had passed. Her birthday greeting card was mailed to Boots on October 26, to ensure it would make it to Colorada Springs in time for Boots' birthday.

God's blessings to all of us who loved Boots dearly. Heartfelt love and prayers are extended to all.

Love in Christ,

Pearlie, Rudy, Lynn,Carl and Curtis Hines

October 4, 2009

My prayers and thoughts are with the family. She will be greatly missed, we enjoyed seeing her at our Delta Sigma Theta monthly meeting, she was loved and admired by all her sorority sisters.
S. Stewart

Modestine (Sugar) Montgomery

October 2, 2009

Hi family, I am your cousin from Greensboro, NC, my father (who passed in May) and your mother were first cousins and from what I have been told they were the last two. We were saddened to hear about cousin Boots passing. Unfortunately we are not able to be with you all during your time of bereavement, but know I am praying for you all. Having gone through this in May, I can truly say I know what you all are going through. May God comfort you all

October 2, 2009

Please know that our prayers are with you at this time. Cousin Boots certainly made an indelible impression on our family and will be missed by all. May the God of Comfort and Strength be ever present with you at this time. With Love, the family of George Lawrence Montgomery - George, Jr., Maria Montgomery Newton, husband Horace & son Nicholas Newton (Atlanta, GA)

The Montgomery's

October 2, 2009

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with the Burnett and Byers Family. The Lawrence family has lost a generation, but our legacy continues. Grace and Peace.

October 1, 2009

How I enjoyed my brief visits with Miss Helen before or after services at First Pres.
She was an inspiration and a mentor to me.
We need dozens more Miss Helen's in our world.
Sincerely,
Gail Piper

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