Death of Effie Burford, former missionary and board member

by Global Ministries | published on Oct 10, 2014

It is with deep sadness that Global Ministries announces the passing of Reverend Effie Lois Stamps Burford on January 18, 2010, at the age of 82. Effie served as a volunteer missionary to Thailand from 1990-1991, where she assisted the manager and hostess of the Bangkok Christian Guest House, and also served as member and later Vice-Chair of the Division of Overseas Ministries Board of Directors 1981-1987. Effie Burford was a precious gift to the Division of Overseas Ministries and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Reverend Effie Burford (1927-2010)

Effie was born on February 16, 1927, in Hinds County (Learned), Mississippi to the late Andrew Leander and Seretha Hicks Stamps. Effie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mr. Owen Burford. Effie completed her first eight years of education at the Adams Public School where she was first in her class. In 1942, she attended Southern Christian Institute and graduated in 1946 from high school and in 1948 from college, with highest standing. She completed her A.B. at Butler University in 1950 in Spanish and a minor in Religion. In 1952, she received her Master of Arts from the Butler University School of Religion. In 1950, Effie joined Second Christian Church and began a lifelong lay ministry that culminated in her ordination at Central Christian Church in 1978. Reverend Burford was one of 15 charter members of Faith United Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and remained an active member until its closing in 2006.

Reverend Burford also served as the Vice-Chair of the National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and as a Trustee at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana.

Effie’s devotion to God was closely followed by her commitment to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. She became a Zeta in 1968 through the Iota Zeta Chapter and served as the Great Lakes Regional Director from 1969-1974. During her tenure, she established 29 new chapters. From 1974-1980, she edited the national sorority magazine, The Archon. In the mid-70s she led an excursion to the African continent with fellow Sorors and established the first African chapter. In 1984, she became one of five charter members of Mu Tau Zeta Chapter in Speedway, Indiana, and served as Chapter President and First Vice-President. She lived to see both her daughter and granddaughter become members of the illustrious organization in 1976 and 2008 respectively. She was loved and treasured by Zetas around the world.

Reverend Burford had an extensive professional career teaching English and Spanish in the Indianapolis Public Schools system for 32 years. She retired in 1987, when she was named as IPS Teacher of the Year. Following retirement, she went on to teach Spanish at Natchez College and Auntie Mame’s Child Development Center in the early 90’s. Effie’s many accolades include being awarded the Key to the City of Indianapolis (1981) by Mayor Bill Hudnut. She was inducted into the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Life Member Hall of Fame in (1989), the Tougaloo College Hall of Fame (1991), and the Jarvis Christian College Hall of Fame (1996). Effie’s sense of style, keen intelligence, generous spirit, and dazzling smile made her unforgettable. Publicly she was an advocate for the poor and marginalized. Privately, she was a devoted mother and supporter of her family’s activities. She laughed often and loved selflessly. She will be forever remembered by her devoted sister, Mrs. Hazel Stamps Moore (a leader in the United Church of Christ and former member of the board of Wider Church Ministries and Global Ministries), beloved children Maurice M. Boler, Jr. (Shawn), Cecelia A. Johnson-Powell (Richard), and Suzette E. Fears (Victor), eight grandchildren (Kenneth Banks , Jared Johnson, Gabriel Johnson, Joy Fears, Adrienne Johnson, Daniel Fears, Byron Boler and Rachel Boler), three great-grandchildren, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends.

Calling will be held Friday, January 22, 2010 at Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center Washington Park North, 2706 Kessler Blvd. W. Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46228 with a Zeta Ritual beginning at 5:30 p.m. followed by visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday January 23, 2010 at Light of the World Christian Church, 4646 North Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46228 at 11:00 a.m. with calling from 10:00 a.m. to service time. Burial will be in Washington Park North Cemetery. Messages of condolence for Effie’s family may be sent in care of her niece, Sabetha Jenkins, President Emeritus, Jarvis Christian College, P.O. Box 1470, Hawkins, TX 75765-1470 or to Effie’s sister Hazel Moore (a former board member of Wider Church Ministries/Global Ministries), 3801 Schnaper Drive, Apt 225, Randallstown, MD 21133-2722. A gift in Effie’s memory will be made by Global Ministries, designated for Haiti relief and recovery.