Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. Matthew 5:18

The Angels of the Lord quietly and peacefully descended upon this earth and escorted Mae Lois Burleson to Glory, Monday afternoon, September 26, 2022.

Mae Lois was born in the Shiloh community of Atlanta, Texas on December 5, 1935, to the union of Winnie Mae Stiger Gaither and Eddie Lee Gaither.  Winnie later married Selestus Rhoads who accepted the responsibility of fatherhood.

Mae Lois accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and was baptized at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. After her parents moved to Atlanta, Texas she united with First Baptist Church, corner of John and Allday streets.

In 1951 at the age of 16, she graduated with highest honors from Booker T. Washington High School, Atlanta, Texas and was voted queen of her graduating class.  She was also a high school majorette. Mae Lois furthered her education by attending Bishop College in Marshall, Texas where she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English on August 26, 1954.  At that time her uncle, Dr. Joseph J. Rhoads, was president of Bishop College. She pursued her graduate at East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas (known today as Texas A&M University - Commerce) and earned her Master of Education degree and Librarian certification.

At Bishop College she met and later married the love of her life, Waymon Burleson.  They were married over 52 years until he preceded her in death on February 19, 2006. To this union 3 children were born:  Waylon DeWayne Burleson (deceased), Winneola Yvette Burleson, and D'Waylon DeShea Burleson.

Once she graduated Bishop College, she moved to Keibeto, Arizona to teach English at Keibeto Elementary Boarding School on an Indian reservation; Waymon enlisted in the military.  After he returned home from service, he joined Mae at Keibeto.  They worked together for two years before moving back to Texas where she began teaching for the Atlanta ISD in 1959.  She taught English at Booker T. Washington High School, became a Librarian at Atlanta Junior High in 1966 and later moved to Atlanta Primary School.  As a long and successful career as an educator she retired in 2004.

Mae Lois was truly a virtuous woman.  She was a praying woman who believed in calling on God.  She loved her husband, children, mother, and family.  She loved spending time with her family and even sold Avon to help provide for her family.  Mae supported Waymon as a teacher, coach, and principal.   She accompanied him to various sporting events and stood by him for over 10 years during his struggle with cancer.  She also loved her community and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star (Mt. Olive Grand Chapter of Texas-Starlight Chapter No. 1410).  As a librarian and educator, she wanted all students to love to read.  She was soft spoken and had a pleasant personality.

Mae Lois is preceded in death by her husband, Waymon Burleson (2006); son, Waylon Burleson (1962); fathers, Eddie Lee Gaither (1991), Selestus W. Rhoads (1976) and mother, Winnie Mae Rhoads (2009).

She leaves to cherish her memories: daughter, Winneola Burleson, son, D'Waylon DeShea Burleson; grandson, Joshua Burleson (Kendra); granddaughters, Paqualita Burleson and Amaris Burleson; great grandchildren, Joshua Burleson, Jr. and J'siah Burleson; brother, Elbert Eugene Gaither, Sr.; sisters, Marie Thomas, Mable Doris Hodge (James), and Deborah Rhoads; sister-in-law, Irene Brown; longtime friends, Mrs. Maxine Nanze and Mrs. Pauline Smith as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

As she transitions to her rightful place in heaven, we cherish great memories of her as an encourager, supporter, advisor, confidant, and friend.