Ella "Bea" Burge

Ella “Bea” Gowen Burge went home to heaven on Saturday morning, February 12, 2022. She was 81 years old. Bea was born to Julia and Emrie in Wynne, AR, on June 2, 1940. She grew up with her siblings Clarence, Oleta, Bill, and Nadine in Cross County, AR. Bea attended Sloan Hendrix High School in Imboden, AR, and graduated with the Class of 1958. Bea’s education continued through many different classes at East Central University and Oklahoma State University. She achieved numerous different certifications, primarily focused on assisting developmentally disabled people. Bea utilized her education and began working for Gatesway Foundation, a non-profit Oklahoma agency that provides opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. On March 18, 1963, Bea started a family with Robert Burge. Together, they had three children—Debbie, Michael, and Dave. Married in Hayden, AZ, she found herself traveling with Robert, as he was in the Navy. Bea’s family lived in numerous places, including San Diego, Guam, Memphis, and settled down in Mannford, OK, where she spent the greater portion of her life. Bea was a very active member of Lakeside Baptist Church in Mannford, OK, for most of her adult life. She took countless volunteer opportunities including teaching children’s ministries. Bea served God her whole life, and her focus was always on Jesus, her children, and others. She spent the latter part of her life at Eastside Baptist Church in Bartlesville. Bea is joyously reunited in heaven with Debbie (daughter) and David (son). She is survived by her son Michael, her grandchildren Josh & Kaitlyn, Alex, Sarah, and her great granddaughter Charlotte. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 10-8 at the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel, 918-333-7665, 4201 Nowata Rd, Bartlesville. Services will be held 10 a.m. on Thursday at the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. Interment will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Ella "Bea" Burge

June 2, 1940 - February 12, 2022