Barbara Jean Burgess

Barbara Jean Burgess, 70, of the Village of Gilchrist, The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully March 18, 2021, while under the care of Cornerstone Hospice in The Villages. This was the result of a nearly three year courageous and gallant battle against cancer. Her loving husband of 50 years, David, was at her bedside holding her hand. Barbara was born into a Christian family on February 22, 1951, in Traverse City, Michigan, the daughter of Clarence and Helen Hults. She graduated from Traverse City High School with the Class of 1969. She spent four years in the high school band and became accomplished at playing the flute. In 1973 Barbara received a Bachelor's Degree from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This led to her being hired as the Director of Payroll for the Ionia, Michigan, School District. Barbara loved her work and all the people she worked with. She was a loyal and competent employee. She held this position for more than 25 years. During their marriage many trips were taken to far western Canada, many cruises were taken and time was spent in nearly every state. Although Barbara's greatest joy came from their annual fishing trip to northern Ontario, Canada, and this went on for twenty summers. Every year she would catch bigger fish and more fish than her husband. The beauty in her laughter was joyful and could be heard across the lake. Following retirement, Barbara and her husband David moved to Florida and settled into The Villages lifestyle. Many friends were made and much golf was played. We became involved with the Lake Deaton United Methodist Church and the Michigan Club. If you knew Barbara you would have loved her and if she knew you she would have loved you right back. She was a kind and gentle soul, a fine person and a great wife. Rest in peace my love, rest in peace. She is survived by her husband David of The Villages, Florida, brother Dick (Peg) Hults of Elk Rapids, Michigan, and several nieces and nephews. A Life Remembrance Service will be held Tuesday, April 20th, 2021, at 11 AM at Beyers Funeral Home, 134 N Hwy 27/441, Lady Lake, Florida. Interment will follow at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Barbara's memory to Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, 601 Casa Bella, The Villages, Florida 32162 or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123. Online condolences may be left at www.beyersfuneralhome.com Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Lady Lake, FL.

Barbara Jean Burgess

February 22, 1951 - March 18, 2021