Loretta McArthur Burgess

Loretta McArthur Burgess was born on December 29, 1943, in Kenansville, NC to the late James and Ludell McArthur. On February 6, 2023 she departed this earthly life at Lancaster General Hospital.

During her early years she attended school in Dublin County, NC and later attended Shaw University where she was an outstanding scholar.

Seeking better life opportunities, Loretta relocated to Brooklyn, New York where she met and married the late Harold Burgess on December 25, 1964 through her favorite aunt, Ms. Beatrice Carroll. This 36 year union was blessed with four lovely children.

Loretta was fondly known as “Rat”, “Aunt Retta” and “Ms. B”.  She was the “pillow” of the Fort Greene community where she had the privilege of working at the Fort Greene Development Center, New York City Board of Education, the New York Telephone Company and Zion Shiloh Baptist Church where she attended and served as Secretary for 30 years.  Loretta retired in 2008 and later moved to Lancaster, PA where she joined Ebenezer Baptist Church, volunteered at the Senior Center and enjoyed her retirement.

Loretta was always there to assist the elderly and young people no matter what their situation was. She loved her children dearly and fully enjoyed seeing and spending time with her grand-children and great-grandchildren who were the light of her life!

She leaves to cherish fond memories her children, Mr. Darold (Jamira) Burgess of Brooklyn, New York; Ms. Carol (Willie) Burgess of Virginia Beach, VA; Mr. Charles (Chanda) Burgess of Raleigh, NC and Ms. Kareema (Rashaun) Hernandez of Lancaster, PA.  (11) grandchildren: Yameeka, Moneeka, Desiree, Dominique, Raven, Wyzae, Kiana, Jermanei, Shymier, Kiara and LaChelle. (9) great-grandchildren: Rain, Quentin, Quacey, Laila, Kyzir, Kiro, Yameek, Alex and Olivia; her best friend, Marriah O’Banner; special cousins Beatrice Brown, Jerlean Brunson, Sandra Moore and William & Ernestine Outlaw; a special niece Regina Simmons and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly!