Mary 'Eileen' Burford

Mrs. Mary 'Eileen' Burford, age 98 of Conyers, formerly of Decatur, died Friday, January 20, 2017. Eileen was the sixth born of seven children to Florence Green Upchurch and Mary Matilda (Mamie) McGarity Upchurch on May 22, 1918 in McDonough, GA. Throughout her life her church was her home away from home, as first taught by her parents when carried by horse and buggy to Bethany Baptist Church in McDonough. As an adult, she taught Sunday School to both women and children, participating in both youth and women's organizations at White Oak Hills Baptist Church (Decatur, GA.) and the Assembly of God Tabernacle (Atlanta & Decatur). She also visited and ministered to the sick and elderly in their homes carrying her young daughters along. Following her retirement from Sears & Roebuck, Atlanta, GA. She became more active at the Tabernacle by assisting in the Food Pantry, serving as the missions secretary and becoming an intercessor with the Intercessory Prayer Group. Her hobbies were gardening, baking and crocheting. She always had flowers for the sick, passed along plants from her garden, cakes for birthdays and crocheted blankets for the new born. She also supported Christian television and was an avid Braves fan. She was dearly loved and will be missed by many. She was predeceased by her husband of 49 plus years, Harper Rex Burford and her son-in-law, Gary DuPree; sisters, Betty Lou Durden, Annie Lee Bonner and Agnes Rawlins; brothers, J.W. Unchurch, Chester Upchurch and Homer Upchurch; nieces, Betty Tebo and Sarah Bonner; nephews, Billy Durden, Olin Bonner, Randall Upchurch and Doug Upchurch. She is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Rachel and Thomas Wilson, Bonnie DuPree, all of Conyers; grandchildren, Mark and Lorena Kellerman, Kennesaw, Darren and Lisa DuPree, Denver, CO, Susanne and Joel Edwards, Canton, Jennifer and Josh Duncan, Hoschton; great-grandchildren, Brian, Mason and Ben Edwards, Ethan and Allyson DuPree, J. R. Sisneros, Owen and Harper Duncan; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held Monday, January 23, 2017 at 1:30 P M at Scot Ward's Funeral Services Chapel, with Rev. Kenneth Corley and Rev. Emanuel Williams officiating; interment will follow at Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery in McDonough. The family will receive friends Sunday, January 22, 2017 from 2 until 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com.Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Rd., Conyers, GA, 770-483-7216. The family of 'Miss Eileen' would like to convey our love, thanks and appreciation to the many workers and staff at Magnolias and Morningside that cared for our mother with great love, patience and respect during the years she resided in assisted living. Your love and kindness will always be remembered. The family of Sister Burford would like to extend our gratitude to her church family and friends at the Tabernacle along with other fellowships for ministering to Mom at Magnolias and Morningside for the last five years of her life.

Mary 'Eileen' Burford

May 22, 1918 - January 20, 2017