AHOSKIE – Nelle Harmon Hicks Burgess, 68, of Ahoskie passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at home with family by her side after a courageous cancer battle.

Nelle was born on August 23, 1944 in Charlotte and is the daughter of Mrs. Grace Hicks McClees and the late Robert Shields Hicks.

In 1966, Nelle graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Education. It was during her time in Chapel Hill that Nelle met and married her husband of 49 years, Wade William Burgess.

For more than 30 years, Nelle dedicated her life to her students as she was passionate about helping them reach their full potential.  Her love for them, as well as for her work, extended far beyond any school day and she will be remembered by so many for her contributions in education.

Nelle has been a long standing member of St Thomas Episcopal Church in Ahoskie, where she for some time served as secretary.  She was also an active member in The Order of the Daughters of the King and St Thomas’ Altar Guild. Nelle enjoyed her time spent both at church and in the classroom; however it was her family, especially her grandchildren that brought her the greatest joy.

In addition to her husband, Wade William Burgess, Nelle is survived by her mother and stepfather, Grace and Cecil C. McClees, Jr. of Burlington; a daughter, Jennie Burgess Byers of Gastonia; and three sons, Wade William Burgess Jr of Charlotte, Patrick Joseph Burgess of Davidson, and Stephen Robert Burgess of Ahoskie. Survivors also include nine grandchildren; a brother, Robert Shields Hicks of Brunswick, GA; and a sister, Peggy Hicks Dupuy of Apharetta GA.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at St Thomas Episcopal Church in Ahoskie.  The family will receive guests that evening after 5 p.m. at the home of Stephen Burgess located at 126 Beechwood Road.

Memorials can be made to St Thomas Episcopal Church, 424 West Church Street, Ahoskie NC 27910, and Vidant Hospice Care, 521 West Myers Street, Ahoskie NC 27910.