LOLA MAE BURROUGHS

Sunrise: December 1, 1930- Sunset: April 29, 2022

Lola Mae Peterson Burroughs was born in Greensboro, Alabama to Mr. Rolax and Rosa Hearns Peterson on December 1, 1930.  She was the sixth of twelve children.  She attended school in Hale County, Alabama.  She accepted Jesus Christ, as her Lord and Savior at The Morning Star A. M. E.  Zion Church in Greensboro, Alabama. The teachings from that rural church were at the core of her foundation. It was there that she learned to sing her favorite hymn, “He Is Sweet This I Know.”

On November 23, 1947, Lola married James Edward Burroughs; it was a union that lasted for 50 years. To that union thirteen children were born.  In October 1950, they moved to         Indianapolis, Indiana and resided there for 70 years.  As a devout Christian, Lola and her family joined the 25th Street Baptist Church.  She was an active member for over 35 years before joining Pleasant Union Missionary Baptist Church. Thereafter, God led her to The Rock Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Rayford Brown, and then later Rev. Darrell Sydnor.  During her membership, she was affectionately called “Mother Burroughs.”

Lola served in many roles during her spiritual journey.  As a member of 25th Street Baptist Church, she taught nursery school and beginners; accompanied by her daughter, Terrica Jones.  Furthermore, she not only served as a missionary worker but also, the President of the Missionary Department. Lola enjoyed attending religious conferences with her fellow church members. 

As a loving housewife and mother, Lola made the everyday duties of cooking, canning, cleaning, washing, seem effortless while simultaneously tending to her children’s needs.  She was a fabulous cook, who made the best 7-up pound cake and sweet potato pie.  As a mother, Lola was more than her children could have asked for.  Her days were sometimes filled with meeting with teachers, counselors, and attending PTA meetings.  She found the time to work as an Avon representative for many years.  And when it was time for her to relax, she did!

Lola took pleasure in watching many shows: The Home Shopping Network, The Cooking Channel, The CNN Network, and Jeopardy.  She loved listening to Gospel music; especially, Aretha Franklin’s rendition of a, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Her all-time favorite gospel song was, “God’s Grace and Mercy.” Lola’s favorite movies were, “The Color Purple,” and “Sister Act 1 and 2.” Above all those things, nothing compared to her reading her bible daily, and faithfully praying on the edge of her bed every night.

She was a mother to all, by showing her love to the   community, and to the children in the neighborhood, who affectionately called her “Mother.”  She would feed anyone who was hungry, and she never turned anyone away.  She was a stylish woman, warm-hearted, witty, and naturally funny, without trying to be. It is with all these qualities, that her children and all those who knew our dear Lola will miss her so much.

On April 29, 2022, at the glorious age of 91 years old, Lola Mae Peterson Burroughs closed her eyes and took her final rest in God’s hands.  She was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Burroughs, her daughter, Shirley Jean Burroughs, her sons, James Edward Burroughs Jr., Charles Edward Burroughs, Billy Roy Burroughs, her granddaughter, Phaysea Burroughs, grandson Marcus Anthony Burroughs, great grandson Nicolas Jaleel Burroughs, and eight brothers and sisters. 

She leaves the following to cherish her memory: sons, Elder Willie Lee (Camillus) Burroughs, Curtis Burroughs, Larry (Cynthia) Burroughs, Donald Earl (Tonya) Burroughs, Jeffery Burroughs, and Terry Burroughs, and daughters, Mary Ruth (Cozey) Baker, Angela Yvonne (Alonzo) Seawood, and Terrica Renise (Jeffery) Jones; brother, Pastor Donald L. Peterson;               sister, Doris Hayden; 22 grandchildren; 47 great grandchildren; 29 great great grandchildren;  One sister in law, Pastor Shirley Harris Peterson; special niece’s Robin Peterson Williams, Cheryl Ann Davis, Linda Jean Condon, and special nephew, Lovell Rolax Peterson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

God’s Garden Must Be Beautiful.  He Always Takes the Best-

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