Margaret L. Burkett

Margaret L. Burkett, affectionately known as “BESS” amongst family, was born March 18, 1948, in Lexington County, South Carolina, the beloved daughter of the late Laura Bowman Coleman and Benson Leon Coleman.  After long-term care at Pruitt Health, Margaret departed this life on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at MUSC Health Medical Center Downtown, in Columbia, South Carolina.

She was a graduate of Richlex High School, Class of 1966, where she received her High School diploma. She developed a love for mathematics, in which she was very articulate and used throughout her lifetime. 

Margaret was a member of Pleasant Spring AME Church, where she sang in the choir and attended faithfully until her health declined.

She married the love of her life, Thomas Ray Burkett Sr., in August 1968, and through their love, three beautiful children were born. Margaret Burkett was a homemaker who cared for her children and family.  She helped raise and nurture many children throughout the community.  She was employed briefly at the Lowman Nursing Home and Lexington Richland District Five.

Margaret loved her family dearly.  She loved crossword puzzles, playing cards, backgammon, dancing, and good music.  She enjoyed cooking and planning family holiday meals.  She loved Wheel of Fortune, HGTV, and her daytime stories.  She also enjoyed eating seafood, especially boned-in fish. Her taste in fashion, style, and doing hair was among her many passions.  

Margaret was preceded in death by her beloved parents, her son, Eric Mandel Burkett; sister, Georgia M. Rikard; and many other beloved relatives.

She leaves to cherish her memories her loving and devoted son, Thomas R. Burkett Jr.; loving and caring daughter, Laurie L. Burkett; seven grandchildren, Brittany, DeMiere, Mercedes, Madison, Eric Jr., Sydney, and Montrell;  four great-grands, Jordynn, JaeDynn, JaMari, and Ava; brothers, Samuel L. and Ronald L. Coleman;  and her sister, Edna L. Coleman;  three Godchildren, Ellen Burkett, Chastity Dixon, and Shena Fowler; as well as a host of close friends and family who loved her dearly.

Her sweet physical presence is no longer with us, yet her memories will continue to live in our hearts and minds forever.

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