May 25, 1946 - February 01, 2017
I, Betty Joyce Burgess, was born May 25, 1946 at Stanford University Hospital in San Francisco. I was the first child born to Reverend Clinton Hendrix and Dorothy Ruth Evans.I now join my parents and brothers, Major and Ellis, and sister, Patricia, in glory. To all those listening, my lovely family and friends, I want to now share a picture of my life. I spent twelve years of my childhood growing up in San Francisco. In 1958, my father was called to pastor Star Light Missionary Baptist Church in Menlo Park, California. So, my parents packed up the family and moved fro "The City" to "the country". In 1964, I graduated from Ravenswood High School in East Palo Alto. Hello Class of 1964! Go Trojans! After high
school, I attended San Francisco City College and began looking for employment. I thought I was going to apply for unemployment and relax for awhile, until I passed the typing test with flying colors! For the next forty-two years I would call Stanford University home. I had a plan, but God's plan was better! I began my Stanford career working in the Stanford University Law School. After thirteen years, I spent the next 28 years in Operation and Maintenance Facilities, where many of my co-workers became family. I officially retired from "The Farm" in 2009 after 42 years of dedicated service. From my first union to Joseph Percy Lee Tucker in 1969 my beloved son, Joseph Percy Lee Tucker, Jr., was born. Joseph Tucker and I were the first African American
couple to be married at the Stanford Memorial Church. From my second union to Roosevelt Burgess in 1978, my dearest daughter, Angelita Ruth Olivia Burgess, was born. My faith journey began when I accepted Christ and was baptized at St. John Missionary Baptist Church by the late Reverend J.A. Morgan. As a pastors' kid, I did a
little bit of everything. I taught Sunday school, was the secretary and I even played the piano for the church choir and later played for many churches in the Bay Area. I dedicated every day to serving God, helping others and enjoying life. From cooking delicious home cooked meals for family, friends, or anyone who had an appetite to traveling across the country, God has always provided for me so I could be a blessing to others. These two scriptures have defined my life-Jeremiah 29:11, which says, "I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." And Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and learn not yo your own understanding. In all my ways acknowledge him and he shall direct
thy paths." On February 1, 2017, I departed this Earth for my eternal home with my Heavenly Father. I leave to cherish fond memories:my son, Joseph Tucker, Jr., my daughter, Angelita Burgess-Eaglin (Joh-athan), one brother, Clinton Ronnie Hendrix, Jr. (Theresa) of East Palo Alto, California; two aunts; Jessie Lee Monroe and Annie Pearl Lloyd both of San Francisco, California; six grand children ; Angelique, Acacia (Decova), Aysaiah, Sade, Jahlial, John-athan II, and Preston; three great grandchildren; Dailani, Xadrian, and Cassius and a host of loving families and friends from the East Palo Alto, Ravenswood, Stanford University, and Destiny Christian Fellowship communities.
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