Modean Icenhour Burgess, 80, of Hiddenite, N.C., began her eternal life with Jesus on Thursday, December 18, 2025. She was born February 4, 1945, in Taylorsville, N.C., the daughter of the late Vela and Newell Icenhour.
Modean was a retired hairdresser who devoted 40 years to her profession, serving her clients with care and dedication. She was a faithful member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Hiddenite, where she lovingly served as church secretary for 26 years. Modean found great joy in singing with the church choir and was an active member of the Lemonade Ladies, a beloved fellowship group for widows that held a special place in her heart. She enjoyed reading, tending to her flower gardens, cooking, and sewing, but above all else, Modean loved Jesus and her family. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life and guided everything she did. She consistently went above and beyond to care for her family, offering love, support, and encouragement in countless ways. Modean had a special gift for making others feel remembered and cherished, never missing an opportunity to send a card for a birthday, illness, or time of bereavement. She cared deeply for everyone she knew, and her kindness left a lasting impression on all who were blessed to know her. Her greatest pride and joy were her great-granddaughters, whose presence could always bring a smile to her face, even on her most difficult days. She will be missed dearly.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, James Larry Burgess; her infant son, Randy Wayne Burgess; her brothers, Grayden Warren, Clay Warren, Bobby Joe Warren, and David Icenhour; and her sisters-in-law, Betty Warren and Sarah Warren.
Those left to cherish and honor her memories include: her daughter, Connie Keller and husband Randy Keller of Conover; her granddaughter, Christy Johnson and husband Matthew Johnson of Charlotte; her great-granddaughters, Sadie Johnson and Sofie Johnson; her sister, Alice Sherrill of Conover; her sisters-in-law, Rushie Warren and Elizabeth Icenhour, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A service celebrating the life of Modean Burgess will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church. The service will be officiated by Reverend Brian Eades, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Nebo Baptist Church: Lemonade Ladies. Condolences may be sent to www.adamsfunerals.com.
Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services are honored to be serving the family of Modean Icenhour Burgess.