Gaylene Burgess

Lila Gaylene Burgess went home to be with her Savior, Jesus, on November 20, 2024. Gaylene was born on June 28, 1935, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Aaron Jackson and Lucille (Pior) Pettit.

Visitation will be at Terpening and Son Mortuary on Friday November 22 from 4-6 pm. The celebration of life will be held Saturday the 23rd at 10 am at Harvest Fellowship. 

Gaylene grew up surrounded by faith and service as her parents founded First Assembly of God in Plains, Texas. Even as a child, she demonstrated her dedication to God's work. At just 12 years old, her father obtained a provisional driver's license for her so she could pick up widows for church services. That same year, she began teaching herself to play the accordion, and later mastered the organ. Her talent for music became a lifelong ministry, as she played the organ for over 50 years, joyfully continuing to worship with it at home until the week of her passing.

The family moved to Canyon, Texas, when Gaylene was a senior in high school. She attended Southwestern Assemblies of God College for two years, where her faith and talents flourished. It was in her father's church in Canyon that she met the love of her life, Robert Burgess of 57 years. They were married on June 1, 1957, and in 1964, they moved to Artesia, New Mexico, where they raised their three children and became co-owners of Artesia Ford Sales alongside Bob and Mary Hendrixon for more than 50 years.

Gaylene's life was a testament to Proverbs 31. She poured herself into her family, her church, and her community with tireless devotion. She served faithfully in Sunday school, children's church, youth group, and women's ministry, and was known for writing heartfelt poems for graduating seniors. She had a gift for creating beauty, whether through china painting, crocheting, needlepoint, or transforming leftovers into culinary masterpieces. Her knack for event planning brought joy to countless church gatherings (Altrusa) and women's banquets.

A natural mother not just to her own three children, Gaylene became a godly influence to many others who needed her love and guidance. She and Robert shared a passion for travel, exploring the world together with family and friends, and she brought life to every party she hosted.

Gaylene's favorite hymn was "This World is Not My Home" by Jim Reeves, a poignant reminder that her true home was always with her Savior.

Her heavenly "Welcome Home" party includes her parents, her beloved husband Robert Burgess, her son-in-law Jay, and, most importantly, her Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Those who remain to cherish her memory are her brother Dwayne (Jeannette) Pettit; her children: Jillana (Bob) Plummer, Jalane (Phil) Brown, and Robbie (Tina) Burgess; her grandchildren: Jantzan (Tiffany), Jaron Martin, Brittney (Aaron) Dugger, and Janessa (Brevin) Thompson; and her four great-grandchildren: Jace, Jett, Joel, and Brylee.

God also blessed Gaylene with six real-life guardian angels: Betty Lopez, Kate Perez, Leslie Blount, Arianna Rojos., Isabel Flores, and Minnie Rodriguez.

Gaylene lived a life full of love, faith, and service, and her legacy will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.