Barbara Anne Weeks

Barbara Anne Burris Weeks (87) passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025, at her home on Wilmington Island, Georgia, surrounded by family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chalmers and Jennie Burris; her brother, Chalmers Burris; her sister, Joyce Bagwell; and the love of her life, her husband of 50 years, Walter G.

Weeks. She is survived by her children, Jennie Nystrom (Howard), Garret Weeks (Tammy), and Mark Weeks (Jodi). They blessed her life with eight beautiful grandchildren: Alexandria, Emily, and Walter Nystrom; Garret (Ret) and Emalee Weeks; Josie, Grace, and Daniel Weeks; and one great-granddaughter, Lilliana Cespedes. A special note of appreciation is extended to Brandy Daughtry and Sabrina Brunson for their loving and compassionate care of Barbara during her final years.

Barbara was born on January 27, 1937, at 118 Grove Street in Charleston, South Carolina. After graduating from North Charleston High School in 1955, she attended Furman University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1959. During her time at Furman, Barbara was an active member of the student body, serving as Student Government Vice-President, Women’s Student Body Vice-President, Faculty Editor of the Bonhomie yearbook, and she was an active participant in the cheerleading squad. Her honors included the Senior Order, Marshalls, and a recognition by Who’s Who Among American Universities and Colleges. Barbara later earned her Master of Education from Armstrong State College in 1979. Her teaching career included positions at Happy Land Nursery School, Louisa A. Walker Kindergarten at Trinity Church, and Mercer Junior High School. She joined Independent Presbyterian Day School in 1970 and witnessed its growth into St. Andrew’s on the Marsh, where she taught fifth grade and lower school science with joy until her retirement in 1997. Barbara was recognized three times by The Outstanding Elementary Teachers of America as an outstanding elementary teacher.

During her college years, Barbara was diagnosed with severe hearing impairment. However, she always made little of the tremendous odds she overcame, instead believing her deafness was a way for God to use her for His service, to inspire others, and to live with a grateful heart. Barbara was a devoted member of Trinity Methodist Church and Wilmington Island Methodist Church, where she dedicated many years to teaching Sunday School and participating in the Friendship Sunday School Class. She had a special passion for volunteering with the youth ministry, considering the students as her own children. Barbara loved mentoring and creating lasting memories leading the youth group alongside Walter.

Walking on the beach, swimming and fishing off the dock, and gardening with her “grand dogs” were some of Barbara’s favorite hobbies. She enjoyed travelling, whether exploring Six Flags, taking her 5th graders to the Barrier Islands, sightseeing across Europe, or white-water rafting in Costa Rica. She loved Furman football, UGA football, and Duke basketball. She was at her happiest with her children, grandchildren, family, and friends gathered in her home.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 10:00 am at Wilmington Island Methodist Church. A funeral and committal service will follow at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any remembrances be made to St. Andrew’s School, or Wilmington Island Methodist Church.

Services are entrusted to Baker McCullough Funeral Home, 7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive Savannah, GA 31406.