Eldress Dr. Sharon Haywood Burchette, 66, of Virginia Beach was called home to eternal rest on January 12, 2020. She was born in Norfolk, Virginia on May 24, 1953 to Earlene Broadnax Green and the late William Wesley Haywood.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Pastor Julius Burchette; her father, William Wesley Haywood; brother, Terry A. Green and aunt, Josephine B. Jones.
She is survived by her mother, Earlene B. Green (Ward) ; daughters, Jewell B. Bradford (Darrell), Crystal Burchette and Tiffany Burchette; son, Julius John Paul Burchette; grandsons, Emmanuel O. Bradford, Darrell Bradford, Jr. and Alexander Josiah Bradford; sister, Rita Haywood Edwards (Nathaniel); brother in love, Clifton Carver and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dr. Sharon Burchette completed elementary school at Douglas Park Elementary and S.H. Clark Junior High in Portsmouth, Virginia. She attended I.C. Norcom, followed by Cradock High School where she graduated in 1971. She has always treasured fond memories of her classmates of Cradock and Wilson High School. Sharon Haywood matriculated into Norfolk State University and was initiated into the Delta Epsilon chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Fall 1973. She was a 1974 graduate of Norfolk State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She was a proud alumnus of Norfolk State. She upheld the mantra: “Behold the Green and Gold.” God also divinely blessed Eldress Burchette to earn a Master of Science in Education and a Doctor of Religious Humanities. Not only that, but Dr. Burchette excelled in postgraduate programs from the following universities: Old Dominion University, Canaan Theological Seminary, National University, University of North Florida, University of Puerto Rico, and Hampton University. Her special gifts were teaching school and leadership classes in the United States and overseas.
Her latest educational endeavor was in the senior citizen program at Tidewater Community College, and Wave Leadership College. She always wanted to learn new things, and converse with young people about excelling in education.
On December 3, 1977 she married the love of her life, Julius. In believing in God’s word that charity starts at home, she became the proud mother of four children; Jewell, Crystal, Tiffany and Julius, II. The true joy that kept her smiling was her “grands”, Emmanuel, Darrel Jr. and Alexander Josiah. As a family they were happy to share special outings, holidays, cruises, and overseas adventures, to include Hawaii.
Not only did Dr. Sharon Burchette enjoy her family, she also took an active role in her religious affiliations to include her church, London Bridge Baptist Church. In being obedient to God’s calling, Eldress Burchette began ministering healing and prayer to hurting people. She was a humble servant and had a heartfelt love for God’s people.
Dr. Burchette accepted Jesus at the tender age of six at Zion Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia. She faithfully worked in the church as the chairperson of Family life, Christian Education Department, motivator, facilitator, change agent, preschool Sunday School teacher, Trustee Wives member, teen group organizer, Pastors’ Aide, young adult Sanctuary choir, Missions and Evangelism.
In 2005, Eldress Burchette and Pastor Burchette founded Faith in Action Ministries Inc. in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Their main mission was to reach the community in prayer, teaching, providing aid to the elderly, provisions for the homeless, support for military families, resources for single parent families, community activities for youth and special needs families. Pastor and Eldress Burchette were truly selfless in this ministry, in which several church locations transpired throughout Hampton Roads and in Lynchburg, Virginia with their children taking active roles in being involved with serving at all locations.
Dr. Burchette loved the Lord and was a devout prayer warrior. She was the founder of Faith Tabernacle House of Prayer in which people from all over the world utilized the prayer line for intercessory prayer.
Elder Dr. Sharon H. Burchette recognized a great need to take an active role in religious and community organizations to include: London Bridge Baptist Church Echoes Choir, Bill Boyd’s Sunday School class, Ministers Coalition for Hampton and Vicinity, Life Membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Association, Norfolk State and Old Dominion University Alumni Association, Order of Eastern Star Queen Esther New Thomas Wheaton Chapter #2, Golden Circle, Hannah Court #1, Cyrene Prince Hall Affiliate, Ruth Graham and the Billy Graham partners, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, American Legion Auxiliary, DAVA – Department of Virginia Chapter 20, and the King’s Choir. She had alot of love to give that she devoted to a plethora of organizations and causes. To them, she donated her time, heart and commitment.
Eldress Dr. Sharon Haywood Burchette loved people, especially children. Her Lamp Light Manor neighbors were a joy to her. She was divinely empowered by God to do a work for Him. Dr. Sharon Burchette will surely be missed. She would pray that everyone would always live by her favorite scripture- I Corinthians 13:13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love”.
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Norvis, Donna & Kevin says
January 16, 2020 at 10:53 pmTo the family of our dear family friend, Sharon. Please know you are in our prayers and we offer our sincerest condolences to you. May God provide strength and may each memory shared bring you comfort and peace.
Calvin Henry says
January 17, 2020 at 6:54 amSorry I never got to meet my second mother ….May your heart and soul Rest In Peace with the King of all kings .
Melissa Collins Milburn and The Collins Family says
January 17, 2020 at 11:33 amTo the Family, We extend our prayers and deepest sympathy to all of you. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. Sorrowfully yours,
Keith Q. Bailey says
January 17, 2020 at 7:33 amOne of the sweetest and nicest individuals I have ever known. Sharon was a true jewel. To her family, you have my sympathy at this time of great loss. We all know that Sharon is now with God and the angels. Treasure all of the loving memories that you have of her. Her spirit will always be with you.
Sandra Powell says
January 18, 2020 at 11:28 amMy thoughts and prayers are with the family today and always.
Sandra Powell says
January 18, 2020 at 11:30 amPraying for the family
Felix Reader says
January 18, 2020 at 6:54 pmWith a joyful spirit she ministered to the residents of Beacon Shores nursing home. She will surely be missed. While we weep for her passing, “Joy will surely come in the morning.”
Benita Parks says
January 19, 2020 at 12:20 pmMy heart goes out to the family. You are in my prayers & thoughts.
Love Benita Parks & sons
Diane Dillard Rountree; Libbie Ware says
January 19, 2020 at 4:33 pmTo the family, you have my sincere condolences. Sharon was wonderful beautiful cousin. She will be missed. Love to the family. Cousin Libbie, Diane and family
LaVerne Moore Bagley says
January 20, 2020 at 4:22 amThe world has lost a great lady, but Heaven has gained a beautiful Angel. I’ll miss her at the Norfolk Alumni Chapter meetings of the NSU Alumni Association, and her visits to the Alumni Office. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Bonnie Fisher and Family says
January 20, 2020 at 3:39 pmRita, Ms. Earlene and family,
Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, please be strengthen when you look back on the memories you shared with Sharon, may they help comfort and bring you peace tomorrow. Beyond the sadness of saying good-bye is the peace of knowing you’re connected forever in love. Our hearts go out to you and we are saddened in this time of sorrow.
After knowing the close bond that you shared with her, we are sure you are going through the most difficult and trying time. Please accept our sincere condolences.
God has you in His arms and we have you in our hearts.
Tidewater, Inc. says
January 20, 2020 at 5:05 pmMs. Crystal Burchette and family,
From all of your colleagues at Tidewater, Inc., we are truly saddened by your loss. We pray that God helps you and your family through this difficult time by comforting you through any pain that you are feeling. We put our trust in God’s plans for us even though our path may not be clear at the moment.
Please accept our most heartfelt condolences during this time.
God will see you and your family through.
May Dr. Sharon Burchette rest in peace always.
Cheryl Fields says
January 21, 2020 at 1:04 pmTo my dearest Soror Tiffany
It saddens me to hear about the passing of your mother. She was a joy to know. I fondly remember our motivating conversations when we happened to run into one another at sorority events and Eastern Star sessions. I will miss her smile and wonderful personality.
My prayers are with you and your family. Keep your faith and God will see you through this most difficult time.
If there is anything I can do for you, please contact me.
Sisterly
Soror Tiffany