Martha Virginia Burgess

Born on April 24, 1936, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Mac and Thelma McCoy, Martha spent her childhood there and attended Landon High School, where she was both a cheerleader and a member of the swim team. She later attended the University of Florida, where she met the love of her life, John Edward Burgess. The two married on August 25, 1956, and began their life together in San Antonio, Texas, before settling in Tampa, Florida, in 1958, where they raised their family.

After John’s passing in 1983, Martha courageously returned to school to earn her associate’s degree. She went on to work at Brandon High School as an assistant teacher and later as a library assistant, where she was admired for her kindness, humor, and dedication to students.

Martha and John were founding members of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Tampa, where Martha remained an active and devoted parishioner throughout her life. Her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her strength and joy. She was a proud member of the Legion of Mary and a Salesian Cooperator, always eager to serve others and share her faith.

Known for her infectious laughter and warm spirit, Martha was truly the life of every gathering. Though she often joked that housecleaning and gardening weren’t her talents, she poured her heart into raising her children, cheering them on through countless practices, games, and recitals. She spent so much time at the Brandon Swim and Tennis Club that they eventually gave her a job as a receptionist, where her radiant smile greeted everyone who walked through the doors.

Martha’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her loving children: Mary Fowler (Peter), Joe Burgess (Rosemary), Tom Burgess, Therese Hernandez (Lawrence), and Molly Webb (Mark); her cherished grandchildren: Blair Meagher (Thomas), Mary Kate Burgess, Anne Greene (Tripp), Molly Burgess, John Hernandez, Hope Figueredo (Alejandro), McCoy Webb, and Payne Webb; and great-grandchildren Ryan Meagher, Andrew Meagher, and Catherine Meagher.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband John, her precious granddaughter Hailey Hernandez, several brothers and sisters, and her parents, Mac and Thelma McCoy.

Martha will be remembered for her deep faith, boundless love, and ability to make every person feel special—especially her grandchildren, each of whom was certain they were her favorite.

A funeral mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 7001 South 12th Avenue, Tampa, Florida. Interment to follow in Hillsboro Memorial Gardens, 2323 West Brandon Boulevard, Brandon, Florida.

The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Friday, October 24, 2025 at Stowers Funeral Home, 401 West Brandon Boulevard, Brandon, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 7001 S. 12th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33619.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23