Sallie Mozelle Burgess of Morganton, North Carolina transitioned to her eternal home on Friday, July 21, 2023 after a long extended illness.  She was born May 9, 1949 to the late Nellie Marie Phillips and Lester Patterson.  In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her sisters, Katie Phillips and Mattie Phillips, her brothers Frederick Phillips, Jay Phillips, and Gary Patterson.

Sallie is survived by her husband, Steve Burgess, her son Anthony Jones, grandchildren, O'Shea Hines and Nadia Skyy Jones.  Great grandchildren, Ja'Nova Jones, L'Nail Jones and Zane William Hines, sisters Gloria Cunningham (Clarence), Alice Anne Sumlin (Rex), Jenelle Phillips, brothers Malcolm Phillips and Lester Whittington, and her best and dearest friend Elaine Maxwell.  Stepdaughters, Corona Kanipe, Stephanie Burgess, Tara Burgess, and Joni Johnson.  Step-grandchildren, Rachel Caldwell, Zana Hightower, Margaret Kanipe, Steven Kanipe, Phillip Tucker, Josiah Tucker, and Brandon Johnson.  God-children, Oliva Coveney, Robert Scott Jr., and Victoria V. Wilson

After graduating from High School she joined the U.S. Army where she served for 30 years.  She retired as a Sergeant First Class.  After retirement, she served as a R.O.T. C. Instructor and a recruiter at the DC National Guard.

Sallie taught at both Happy Valley and Gateway Schools in Lenoir.  She received her Associate Degree at Caldwell Community College as a teacher assistant.  She also attended Prince George's Community College in Largo, Maryland.

Sallie enjoyed shopping, arts, and crafts, and quilting.  She was very passionate about working with the youth at her church, including Vacation Bible School, field trips, and providing school supplies.  She also organized the annual Veterans Day program.  Sallie also worked at Lee Sewing in Hickory, NC.

Sallie had a heart of gold.  She would do anything and everything she could to help others.  Sallie will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She will forever remain in our hearts.

A homegoing celebration will be held Saturday July 29, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at Hartland Church of God with Rev. Mitchell Brittain serving as the eulogist; interment will follow in Hartland Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

The funeral service will be live-streamed on our funeral home Facebook Page & YouTube Channel, the links are found below:

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/mccainfuneralhome/

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu4qb7IT7sO-Kc0BRs05J-A