Grace Burrs

The youngest child of ten, Grace Patricia Burrs was born to the late Aquila and Hazel Gilmore on September 23, 1935 in Baltimore, Maryland. Pat; as her friends and family called her enjoyed a fulfilling life with many achievements throughout her lifetime.
Pat was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System and began her passion for education and expanding her mind. She met her lifelong mate, Lawrence Burrs, Sr., affectionately known as "Bruddy", when they were in the 6th grade. They became sweethearts in high school, and he says he protected her from "fresh pot boys". Lawrence convinced Pat's parents that he was well equipped to be in their family when he expertly completed a painting project in the family home. Mr. Gilmore invited Lawrence to get to know Pat and the rest of the family. Pat fondly recalls her niece Deidre as a "tag-a-long" escort on many of their outings. They were married in October 1952 and from that union they were blessed with four children: Lawrence, Jr., Damien, Tamara and Jonathan.

While living in Baltimore, MD Pat began to take Bible Studies from Isaac and Madge Ingraham. She had been searching for the truth of God's Word and became convicted of the complete truth. Pat became a member of the Berea Temple Seventh Day Adventist Church at that time. About three years later, Lawrence joined the church as well after admitting that he had been quietly listening to the Bible Studies from his concealed position upstairs. Pat and Lawrence raised their children in the truth of the Three Angels Message and educated all of them in SDA Church School System. They have participated in some form of active church or community ministry all of their married life. Pat has served as MV Leader, Pathfinder Director, Treasurer, Hospitality Leader, Deaconess and Music Ministry Team Member. Pat and Lawrence are charter members of the Reaching Hearts International Church. Pastor Michael Oxentenko call Pat his spiritual mother and affirms that her support of his ministry is one of the reason he remains a minister today.

Pat lived her early life in Baltimore, Maryland, but later moved to the suburbs of Washington, DC where she continued to raise her family, work and continued to serve as a provider for many of her family members. Pat spent some of her professional career serving as a substitute teacher in Takoma Park, MD, as well as working at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC where she worked in the Pathology Department and later in Major Exhibits.

Pat's love for technology and computer systems was enhanced while working for WRAMC. . Pat was thrilled with the opportunity to instruct many of the physicians in computer technology, and feels this passion was also passed on to her youngest son Jonathan. She had the opportunity to take many computer curriculums, accounting and business systems courses that created the bases for her developing her own publishing company; Artisian Press Printer and Publishing Services.

Pat later was employed by the University of the District of Columbia as an Assistant Editor. She continued her love of technology and computers and used this experience as a bridge to expand her love of writing as well as to publish her own book: Silhouettes in Shadows, Memoirs of an American Family. She has also published several books of poetry and several cookbooks.

Pat's other great love has been to research the genealogy and history of the Lancaster-Davis, Cook, and Dixon Family. For more than thirty years she has chronicled the history and roots of the three sisters that provide a rich tapestry to her unique American family. Most of the family members fondly recall her role and directions in organizing the biannual family reunions. One of her fondest wish is that the legacy of this rich family tradition will continue with future generations.
When asked about some of her proudest moments, she quickly recalled her 57 years of marriage to her soul mate "Bruddy". She stated that he has always been there to support her in any activity or venture that she pursued. She along with her husband have provided care and support to Clara Bell Cole (Lawrence's grandmother), "Granny" Hazel Gilmore (Pat's mother), her sister Hazel, Grandma Irene and Grandpa Snooks (Lawrence's' parents). It was not only expected but clear to see how Lawrence, along with the support of the family, lovingly provided care to Pat with her recent illness.

Almost five years ago, Pat and Lawrence moved to Hagerstown, Maryland to enjoy their retirement together. Pat's health grew increasingly frail and she was challenged with End Stage Liver Disease. Even though she spent frequent trips in and out of the hospital and rehab facility, her continual refrain was: "I just want to go home" Under the care of Hospice of Washington County Pat was lovingly maintained at home with her husband and family there to support her. Pat was able to receive calls, visits and spend time surrounded by those that she loved. She and her family are grateful for the care provided by Ms. Mary Harvey the final six weeks of her life. On Xxxxday, November 1X, 2009 Pat opened and closed her eyes for the last time. While we mourn her passing we are comforted in the fact that she had made her call and election sure. She fought the good fight of faith, and there is now laid up for her a crown in heaven.

Left behind to miss Pat are
her husband, Lawrence Burrs, Sr., her three sons and daughter in-laws, Lawrence, Jr. and Barbara Burrs, Damien and Fay Burrs, Jonathan and Nettie Burrs, and one daughter; Tamara Tulloch.
She will be lovingly missed by twenty six grandchildren: Jordana, Ahman, Brie (and their mother Sara), Charlene, Christine, Tyree, Tyneithia, and Tyrese. Sharyta, Damien II, Chalae, Bryan, Jamar and DeAnna. Shante, Ryan, Kenny, Marcus____, Dante, Chris, Travis, Nijia, Serena and Charlotte. Samantha, Keith and Alex.
She will be sadly missed by ten great grand children: Anisa, Jeremy, Amaya, Courtney, Charisa, Coby, Marcus, Damien, Caleb and Sydney.
She is predeceased by seven of her sibling; brothers: Vernon, Maurice, Wilmer, and sisters: Ellen, Melva, Jean, and Hazel. She is survived by two brothers and sister-in-laws: Aquila and Shirley Gilmore and Wilbur and Brenda Gilmore. In addition she is lovingly remembered by a host of nieces and nephews who call her Aunt Patricia. Pat also leaves a close knit church family and host of friends who will sadly miss her. In addition she leaves her very close friends: Sylvia, Dorothy and Verna.