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On Friday, April 15, 1960, a bouncing, bubbly baby boy was born to loving parents Edward and Lola Burkley, whom they affectionately named Norris David Burkley. Norris was welcomed home by two older brothers, Edward III and Mark. He enjoyed his playtime with his older brothers and was the center of their world. After a few years, Norris was promoted to the role of "Big Brother" to baby sister Kim, who became his partner in crime. Norris's education began at John F. Kennedy and Luciano Lockhart Elementary Schools. During his elementary years, Norris' mother and father divorced. He became the baby brother to Floyd "Duke" Williams II when Norris' mother met and married his bonus dad, Rev. Floyd N. Williams Sr., who affectionately called him his "Baby Boy." Norris was baptized at the age of five years old and was a very active member of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. He served on the Youth Usher Board, sang in the Youth and Young Adult Choir, and participated in all church activities. Norris also traveled with many of the youth as a delegate for the National Convention of America, Inc. Norris loved singing and became a member of the Houston City Wide Youth Crusade Chorus choir under the direction of Dr. Lillian Cook Mitchell. He also sang with Recording Artist Olivia Branch Walker. Two of his favorite songs to sing were "Even Me" and “When Sunday Comes.” Norris entered Jack Yates Senior High School in September 1975, where he played football as an offensive lineman. After graduating high school in 1978, he matriculated to Prairie View A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in 1986. Prior to graduating from college, Norris met the love of his life, a young lady named Debra Bacon. The two were inseparable and spent many date nights going to the movies, late-night dinners, walks in the park, and picnics dressed alike in cowboy attire, wearing boots and hats. They enjoyed taking long car rides and spent countless hours talking on the phone, hanging onto each other's every word and eagerly awaiting the next conversation. Norris was so smitten by Debra's beauty and personality that he couldn't wait to marry her, knowing that "he who findeth a wife, findeth a good thing." On April 5, 1986, they entered into holy matrimony, as the two became one. As a husband, he rose to the occasion to provide for his wife, beginning a career with the Internal Revenue Service where he dedicated ten years of service with integrity. The couple soon changed their titles from Mr. and Mrs. to Mom and Dad when they were blessed with their first son, Norris D. Burkley II, and four years later, were blessed again with a son named Mark A. Burkley. Norris was a devoted husband and father who enjoyed family time, going to the park, having movie nights at home, watching his boys play basketball, football, and soccer. He also loved going to the beach for picnics, walking, and playing in the sand. Norris had a true love and passion for cars. Many who knew him could often find him washing and waxing them daily. Although his fleet was not large, two of his favorite rides included a Ford Thunderbird and a Pontiac Trans Am. Despite graduating college with a degree in Business, he could have entered the world of comedy as a comedian and taken the stage by storm with his hearty laughs and continuous jokes that kept people laughing long after parting ways. His journey in faith began early when he accepted the call to the Ministry in 1981 under the leadership of Dr. F. N. Williams Sr. Rev. Burkley was ordained in 1991 and called to pastor the Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Navasota, Texas, where he faithfully served for three years. On March 27, 1994, he accepted God’s final assignment to pastor the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Galveston, Texas. Under his leadership, several auxiliaries were organized, including the Youth Usher Board and the Youth Praise and Drill Team. He instituted the “Hour of Power” and nurtured the Golden Stewards. He also provided the youth of Mt. Olive with experiences similar to those he had growing up at Antioch, taking them to many associations and conventions. Pastor Burkley would preach and teach God’s word weekly, where many souls were saved, man rededicated their lives back to Christ as they gave Pastor Burkley their hand and God their heart. He oversaw the acquisition of the Galveston Historical Landmark in 2007, which resulted in the church being awarded historical recognition for the old and new sanctuaries after 131 years of existence in the community. In 2008, Galveston Island was devastated by Hurricane Ike, displacing thousands of islanders. Despite city officials evacuating the entire city and forbidding residents from entering the island, Pastor Burkley was determined to return to the church, which faced an eleven-foot surge and four feet of water, rendering the building uninhabitable. Seeking God's wisdom and guidance, he led Mt. Olive in a massive rebuilding effort. In November 2008, Pastor Burkley partnered with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson hosting an outdoor town hall meeting on the church parking lot where she met with political officials, community leaders, and federal emergency management staff. Pastor Burkley was one of the founding leaders of the Galveston Northside Task Force, which was instrumental in bringing much-needed relief efforts to the city. Pastor Burkley had a huge heart for God’s people. To some, he was a father, a friend, a listener, a prayer warrior, and one whose mission in life was for everyone to love one another as Jesus loved the church. He was a compassionate and dedicated servant of God and a true shepherd to the Mount Olive flock as he loved his church with his whole heart. He dedicated his life to spreading the message of love, hope, and salvation to all who crossed his path. He encouraged the membership to live their lives with faith, to have brotherly love one towards another, and to seek God in everything. His door was always open to offer guidance, support, and prayer in times of joy and times of struggle. Pastor Burkley was a man of faith, prayer, and encouragement, and was committed to his calling. Although he lived through sickness and sometimes physical suffering, he found renewed strength through his Savior Jesus Christ and continued to inspire others with his unwavering dedication to the Ministry of Christ. Whether he preached God’s word from his wheelchair or from his hospital bed, he continued to declare that God is merciful, faithful, and a rewarder to them who diligently seek him. Pastor Burkley’s influence extended beyond his congregation, where he served as Chaplain of the Galveston Police Department, graduating from the Department’s 28th Citizens Academy. He continually offered community activities, hosted meetings, and collaborated with city, county, and state officials to improve the lives of others in the community. His dedication to service was reflected in his roles as the Special Assistant to the former Director General of the Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas, a member of the Independent Missionary Baptist General Association of Texas, the National Baptist Convention of America Inc., the Baptist Ministers Association of Galveston/Galveston County, and the Galveston Baptist Association. Pastor Burkley was one of the co-founders of the Fellowship United District Association of Texas and was a member of several other religious organizations. His perseverance to ensure a better quality of life for others, whether spiritually, physically, or economically was always at the forefront of his ministry. Pastor Burkley’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, community service, and profound leadership, as he believed “Only What You Do for Christ will Last.” He will be deeply missed by his family, congregation, and every life he touched. Pastor Burkley answered the call from labor to reward and moved from his earthly body to his heavenly home on May 28, 2024 from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. He is preceded in death by his father, Edward Burkley Sr., mother, Lola Burkley Davis, and brother, Edward Burkley III. Left to cherish his memories of love and legacy are his loving and devoted wife of 38 years, Debra Burkley; loving sons, Norris D. Burkley II and Mark A. Burkley; daughter-in-law, Felshia Burkley; grandson and armor bearer, Norris D. Burkley III; father, Pastor F. N. Williams Sr. (Cuney); sister, Kim Milstead (Michael); brothers, Mark Burkley and Pastor F. N. Williams II (Tracy); father and mother-in-law, Earl and Florence Bacon; brother-in-law, Keith Bacon (Michelle); sister-in-law, Towanna Thompson (Michael); godchildren, LaQuisha Samuels, Jakirrah Jenkins; a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends, the members of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, and his furry son, Rocky Burkley.

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Pastor Norris D. Burkley Sr.

April 15, 1960 - May 28, 2024