Herbert V. Burrows succumbs at the age of 77
Herbert Victor Burrows was born to the late Bishop Albury and Firstina Johnson Burrows on September 27, 1937. The 11th of 14 children, he was preceded in death first by his eldest siblings (twins), Agnes, Blanche, James Donald, Charles, Samuel, Rose, Henry, and Julia.
Herbert was raised with strict Pentecostal principles in the home and attended the Fifth Avenue Church of God. During his college years he joined the Episcopal Church and upon his return to Fort Lauderdale became a member of St. Christopher Episcopal Church where he served on the Vestry, President of Men’s Club, Church Choir, Junior Warden, and the feeding program and remained a faithful member until his passing.
Herbert graduated from Dillard High School on June 9, 1955, where he was a noted high jumper, quarterback for the Dillard Panthers, and track star. He continued his education at St. Augustine College in Raleigh, N. C. where he also excelled as a track star, quarter-back, played on the basketball team and was the president of his senior class.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, N.C., graduating on May 23, 1960.
He married Charleen Lewis of Paris, Kentucky on April 28, 1962 and to this union one child, Brione Victor Burrows was born. They were also blessed with three godchildren: Sonya Burrows, Albury Burrows and Kia Smith.
Herbert was very active in both his church and community. He was a dedicated member of St. Christopher Episcopal Men’s Club and Church Choir and also Spoon’s Equire Gentlemen’s Breakfast Club.
He was inducted into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in 1958 at St. Augustine College and served as Basileus (President) of the Fort Lauderdale graduate chapter, Zeta Chi. He remained an active member until his death. He was also a member of the Fort Lauderdale Negro Chamber of Commerce. In his leisure time Herbert enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Gold Coast Golf Association.
Herbert received many civic awards for his lifelong dedication to his church and community.
Herbert was always a beacon of light that could brighten up anyone’s day or situation. He had a brand of humor that was uniquely his and admired by all. He was affection ally known as “Gal” by many of his friends.
The Wake will be held Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 from 5-8 p.m. at Ascension Peace Presbyterian Church, 2701 N. State Road 7, Lauderhill, Fla.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015 at 11 a.m. at St Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1750 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park, Fla.
