Obituary of Barbara E Burgess

Lt.Col. Barbara Rushing Burgess, 82, was born in Dearborn, MI, and the oldest of five children born to the late Paul J. and Stephanie Laurich Rushing of Monroe, Union County, NC. Barbara was the granddaughter of Walter Bunn and Cleo Dora Wright Rushing of Fountain Hill, Union County, NC. She graduated from Dearborn HS in 1952 and the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1956. Barbara entered the US Army Medical Corps as a hospital dietitian and served 21 years, primarily at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC. She was also stationed at Brooke Army Hospital, Ft. Sam Houston, TX for several years. During her Army career, Barbara earned Master's degrees from the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University and Fordham University. After retiring from the USAMC, Barbara worked for several years for the American Diabetes Association in NYC as their spokesperson and co-authored a cookbook for diabetics. Barbara later moved to CT and married Rev. BX Burgess and began a second career as a social worker. Barbara lived at Knollwood Retirement Community in Washington, DC for the past 8 years. Barbara's family wishes to thank the excellent, professional and caring staff for all the kindness shown our dear sister. Barbara was the eldest of five children and is survived by sister, Sandra Rushing Mellow (Ron) of Belle Isle, FL; brother Randall Rushing (Cathy) of Mcclenny, FL. Many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews and cousins survive her. Sister Carol Rushing Gaye and brother Paul Michael Rushing, of Union County, NC, preceded Barbara in death. A memorial service for Lt. Col. Burgess and internment at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, DC, will be held at a date to be announced.