Julie Dell Burgess

Mrs. Julie Dell Ratcliff Lively Burgess, 71, of Ceredo, entered into rest Friday, September 18, 2015 at her residence. She was the daughter of Roberta Ratcliff and the late James Ratcliff, Jr. of Ceredo. She was the widow of Douglas E. Burgess and the mother of Ramona Lively (Howard) Hensley of Milton, WV and Candi (David Dick) Burger of Culloden, WV, Courtney (Tony Amburgey) Burgess of Huntington and Sierra Burgess, at home. Additional survivors include grandchildren Ryan and Kaitlyn Burger, Jason and Chris Burger, a brother C.K. Ratcliff of Ceredo, sisters, Myra Haught of Huntington, and Becky (Bob) Moses of Kenova and four great grandchildren. Julie was a trusted friend, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and grandmother. Her gifts for singing, playing piano, sewing and cooking are legend. Her chicken and dumplings found their way into scores of sick and grieving homes. Young ladies twirled and dipped in the beautiful St. Joe costumes she created just for them (which her poor husband would obligingly don so she could get the hem just right!) She spent countless hours supporting the Ceredo-Kenova High School athletic programs, doing any job a man could. She wrapped thousands of shoe boxes for the Operation Christmas Child ministry at the First Independent Missionary Baptist Church of Kenova: the church she loved so deeply. She also led the choir there and played piano. Julie was the life of the party and she brightened the lives of those who knew her. While it’s true she is no longer here for us to cherish, her spirit and memory will never fade. She would be the first to tell you that “Wonders Never Cease”. Because she placed her trust in Jesus Christ, her reward will be eternal. Visitation for Mrs. Burgess will be at Ceredo Baptist Church from 5-9 pm Monday, September 21, 2015. Services will be conducted by good friend and Pastor, Rev. Scott Byard and funeral services will also be at the church on Tuesday at 3:00 pm, September 22, 2015. She will rest beside her husband at Docks Creek Cemetery, Kenova.