On September 14, 1930, a baby girl was born by the name of Willie Louise Hannibal to Earsel Hannibal and Addie Mae Ward.  She was the oldest of four siblings.  She was born in Barlett, Texas.  She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized.

"Dena" as her siblings knew her, was the family matriarch.

She attended school in Bartlett, Texas.

She later met and married the late Walter J. Burleson on December 31, 1952.  They later relocated to Houston, Texas in 1953.  Worked in various jobs to help her husband.  She was a devoted wife of Walter and caring mother of ten children, all whom she loved unconditionally.

She loved to grow flowers.  Her favorite flower was the lilies.  She also had a beautiful flower bed of ivies.

She and her husband along with their children join Berean Missionary Baptist and later joined Fiesta Baptist Church where he was ordained as a minister.  Rev. Burleson established Bethlehem Baptist Church where the family all attended.  She later joined New Bright Star Baptist church under the leadership of Rev. Lester Scott, Sr. and now under the leadership of Rev. Cedric Robbins, Sr.

She departed this life on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at approximately 2:40 p.m. at Memorial Hermann Medical Center.

She preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Walter J. Burleson, her son Roger L. Burleson and daughter Jerry K. Burleson, grandson Alphonse Thomas, Jr.  Her parents, one sister and two brothers.

She leaves to mourn her passing, yet celebrate her life, daughter, Carolyn Small (Gerald), Barbara Murray (Melvin, deceased) Theresa Henson (William), Shirley Paul (Antonio), Sharon Gatewood (Anthony).  Her sons, Danny Burleson, Donald Burleson (Stephanie), Tracy Burleson (Cathy). Grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

"I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course.  I have kept the faith"

2 Timothy 4:7