OPHELIA STINSON BURROUGHS
Ophelia Stinson Burroughs was born in Sumter, South Carolina, on Jan. 14, 1941. Her parents, the late Rev. Joeseph O. Stinson and Ophelia Prince Taylor Stinson, provided the foundation for her Christian faith at an early age. She attended Second Presbyterian Church as a child, where she began her journey of committing her life to Christ and becoming a lifelong servant of God. As an adult, she was a dedicated member of the Christians for Change Baptist Church family.
Ophelia attended Stone Hill Elementary School and graduated as an honor student from Lincoln High School in Sumter. Following high school, Ophelia graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from Johnson C. Smith University. Upon graduation, Ophelia was admitted into a French immersion program at Texas Southern University. Years later, she received her Master of Arts in Education from Pepperdine University, and her career in education has taken her across the country.
Ophelia’s career as an educator spanned more than 35 years. She worked in school systems in South Carolina, Nevada and even Hawaii, an experience that she always cherished, often reflecting on the values, history and culture of her students. Ophelia retired from Jonesboro High School in 2002 after teaching English there for more than 23 years and shepherding thousands of children through high school. Because she was a staunch advocate for educating our youth, she came out of retirement to run for the Clayton County School Board and was elected in 2008. She also served as vice chair during part of her time on the Clayton County School Board. She was immensely proud to be part of the team that put the Clayton County school system back on track with the full restoration of accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, greatly enhancing her students’ opportunities to succeed.
On June 23, 1973, Ophelia Burroughs was united in holy matrimony to Eugene A. Burroughs. Along their journey, they shared 48 years of happiness and triumphs, traveling the world and making an indelible mark on everyone they touched. They were dedicated public servants, as they worked to positively impact veterans and children, improve their community and make the world a better place.
Ophelia and Eugene also raised a beautiful and devoted daughter, Natasha Burroughs Dale. For Natasha’s entire life, she was the center of Ophelia’s universe. If you were ever looking for them, they could be found at the nearest shopping mall, where Ophelia was imparting her sense of style and elegance on Natasha. Ophelia was a fierce shopper and left no stone unturned to find the absolute perfect dress, coat or shoes. Natasha and Ophelia were simply inseparable, even when they were not in the same location, as their hearts were always connected. As Ophelia aged gracefully, Natasha was there every step of the way to ensure her mother lived with the dignity and grace she so richly deserved.
On Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, Ophelia transitioned to her heavenly home. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene A. Burroughs, and her siblings, Pontheolla T. Williams, James E. Taylor Jr. and Theolander M. Taylor. Ophelia Burroughs leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter, Natasha Burroughs Dale, and son-in-law Kareem Dale. She also leaves behind her godson, James Sharper, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Anthony L. Watkins Funeral Home Chapel, 163 North Ave., Jonesboro, GA 30236. Funeral services will be streamed live on the Anthony L. Watkins Jonesboro funeral website.
The public viewing will be Friday, Aug. 23, from 5 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Ophelia Burroughs to the Clayton County Public Schools Foundation at www.ccpsfoundation.org.
Mrs. Burroughs will be buried alongside her husband on Monday, Aug. 26, at 11 a.m. at Georgia National Cemetery at 2025 Mount Carmel Church Lane, Canton, GA 30114.