Virginia Burleson

Virginia Burleson, one of NC’s first female Police Officer’s passed away peacefully on June 19, 2019. She was born Mary Virginia Cox on December 2, 1921 in Wadesboro, NC. She was a daughter of the late Effie Almeda Hancock Cox and James Garfield Cox. She was a 1938 honor graduate of Albemarle High School. On October 9, 1938, she married the late Cecil Clay Burleson. They celebrated 64 happy years together. In 1952 she was hired as a full service Police Officer by the Salisbury Police Department. She retired after twenty-two years. She was a Charter Member of the NC Policewoman’s Association and a past President. She served on the Board of Directors until 1973. She was also a member of the Retired Peace Officers’ Association. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Salisbury and the Dorcas Sunday School Class, the early service Choir, the Gold and Silver Club and Margaret White Circle. She was an accomplished seamstress and made Easter dresses for residents of the Baptist Children’s Home for twenty-five years. She was also known for her beautiful quilts and the English hand smocked children’s dresses she made. Mrs. Burleson was also predeceased by four sisters, two brothers and one granddaughter, Jennifer Whitman She is survived by her children, Gary {Annette} Burleson of Salisbury, Patsy {Dale} Schawitsch of Pinehurst and Clay {Jackie} Burleson of Salisbury, seven grandchildren; Ellen W. {Tom} Sidbury of Annandale, NJ and Hampstead, NC, Elaine W. {Eric} Wilderson of Pinehurst, Dr. Tina Burleson{Nathan Schepker} of Raleigh, NC, Tiffany {J.R.} Vinson of Nashville, Tenn., Baker {Amy} Burleson of Charlotte, Sonia Dalton of Kannapolis, NC and Donna {Carl}West of Boone, NC. Also surviving are eight great grandchildren; Sean Sidbury of Taiwan, Ben Sidbury of Annandale, NJ, Katy Burleson, William Burleson, Caroline Burleson and Emily Burleson, all of Charlotte and Ally and Colby Cress of Kannapolis and a sister, Josephine Pierce of N. Wilkesboro. Many Salisburians will remember her for her friendly smile. And many former school children will remember her for helping them arrive safely at school. The family will receive friends 12-1 PM Friday (June 28) at Summersett Funeral Home followed by the service with the Rev. Rod Kerr officiating. Interment will follow at Chestnut Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Salisbury, 223 N. Fulton Street, Salisbury, NC 28144 or the Baptist Children’s Home, 204 Idol Street, Thomasville, NC 27360. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Burleson family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Virginia Burleson

December 2, 1921 - June 19, 2019