“Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep.” Mary E Frye

It is with great sadness and much love that we announce the passing of Cleo Ellen Rawls Burgess on December 13th, 2024 at the age of 48 years. She died peacefully in her home with the love of family and friends surrounding her.

Cleo was born on July 10th, 1976 in Portsmouth, Virginia to Edward Earl and Patricia Anne Rawls. She developed an inquisitive spirit at a young age that she shared with the world, a love of animals, a steadfast loyalty to her friends and family, a love for reading, and a deep love for her Lord and Savior. Cleo was a former American Sign Language Teacher at Nansemond River High School and Emory and Henry College. Her many students were devoted and supportive during her illness, as were her colleagues. She approached her pancreatic cancer diagnosis with grace and strength. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers from many supporters carried her through months of grueling chemotherapy, complicated surgery, and numerous alternative treatments. The family wishes to thank everyone who supported Cleo over the past twelve months as she bravely battled.

In addition to her parents, Cleo will be missed by her devoted husband Daniel Jason Burgess, son Aidan Tate Dickinson, daughters Myla Sage and Murphi Grace Burgess, and sisters Chrystal Rawls (Rose), Mary Rawls (Rider), and Michelle Rawls (Hartley); as well as extended family members and friends.

The family will greet friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Bennett’s Creek Chapel, on Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 from 6:30 to 8 pm. Per Cleo’s request, the burial will be private. We take comfort in knowing that Cleo is at peace, and we will meet again someday.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com