Catherine “Cat” Shipman Burgess Obituary (1961

Catherine "Cat" Shipman Burgess was born on March 29, 1961, in Statesboro, Georgia, to Willie H. Shipmon and the late Mary L. Shipmon. Cat, as she was affectionately known, received her education in the Bulloch County School System and was a graduate of Statesboro High School, Class of 1980. She enjoyed spending time with her family, seeing her grandchildren, making everyone laugh, cooking, listening to music, and attending gospel programs. Catherine was preceded in death by her mother, Mary L. Shipman; her youngest son, Antawan D. Strickland; and her brother, Henry Shipman. Catherine leaves to cherish her memories her husband, Virgil Burgess; her sons, Renard Shipmon of Atlanta, Georgia; James Strickland III of Statesboro, Georgia; and Nicholas Burgess of Statesboro, Georgia; and her daughters, Sabrina Burgess and Lauren (Robert) Littles of Portal, Georgia. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Marquarius Hagin of Statesboro, Georgia; Sefmaj Strickland of Statesboro, Georgia; Antawan Strickland Jr. of Statesboro, Georgia; Cameron Burgess of Hogansville, Georgia; and Saniyah Burgess of Portal, Georgia. Also cherishing her memories are her siblings: Robert (Tyronnda) Shipmon of Brooklet, Georgia; Katrina (David) Lockett, Tony Shipmon, and Charlene (Willie) Key, all of Statesboro, Georgia; and Brenda (Brian) Riley of Atlanta, Georgia. She is further survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Mack Shipmon of Statesboro, Georgia; her lifelong best friend, Mary Bynes of Statesboro, Georgia; and her nieces and nephews: Deontae, Demetricus, and Dequan Key of Statesboro, Georgia; Jordan and Brianna Riley of Atlanta, Georgia; Rayvn and Robyn Shipmon of Statesboro, Georgia; Clinshay and Dacia Shipmon of Statesboro, Georgia; Brandi Hammell of Atlanta, Georgia; Dexter Adams of Statesboro, Georgia; and Devin Dukes and Shaquana Smith of Hartford, Connecticut. She also leaves a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives, friends, and fellow coworkers to cherish her loving memory. Public viewing for Mrs. Burgess will be held from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Friday, December 12, 2025 . The family will receive visitors for the family visitation from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Funeral services to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Burgess will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Elm Street Church of God, 29 Elm Street, Statesboro, GA 30458. Burial will follow at Eastside Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mario Cater, Antonio Parks, Martavius Davis, Desmons Redding, and Larry Clark Please keep the family of Mrs. Catherine Shipman Burgess in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this season of bereavement. Matthew H. Lovett & Son's Funeral Home, LLC is in charge of final arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign the online register book, share condolences, send flowers, or offer memorial gifts by visiting our website.