Edward Burris

Edward D. Burris was born on December 23, 1955, in Dover, DE, to the late Doris and Myrtle Burris Jr. He departed this life peacefully, surrounded by his loving wife, daughters, and grandchildren, on January 14, 2026, at the age of 70.

He was a proud graduate of Caesar Rodney High School, after high school, Eddie attended Del-Tech and later took classes at Vo-Tech to further perfect his skills in auto mechanics. Eddie worked for Formosa for a few years until the company downsized, and he also worked for Playtex. He later joined the family business, M. Burris & Sons Garage, where he worked for over 30 years. Eddie was an excellent mechanic who took great pride in his work and always put his customers first. During his time at the shop, Eddie became an entrepreneur and started a company called DAVTO. In 2007, Eddie decided to leave the shop and begin a career at Kraft Heinz in Dover, DE, where he was employed until his passing. Eddie excelled at his job and took pride in everything he did, especially feeding his co-workers.

Eddie served as a councilman for the Town of Camden for six years. His love for the elderly and for the town inspired him to run for mayor, and he was elected as the first African American mayor of Camden, DE, serving from 1995 until the end of his term. Eddie also took special care of the elderly widows in the town, helping them with odd jobs around their homes and yards to secure and enhance their surroundings. They knew they could always count on him.

Eddie’s spiritual upbringing began at Bibleway Temple C.O.G.I.C., where he developed a love for Sunday School under the care of the late Bishop L. T. Blackshear and the teaching of Elder John L. Baldwin, his mentor and godfather.

Eddie touched many lives—not only through his words and deeds, but also through his homemade remedies. He loved his family and spreading the Word of God, especially to non-believers. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to help those he loved in any way he could. When Eddie wasn’t working, he enjoyed gardening, fishing, and crabbing with his children and grandchildren. His grandchildren hold a special place in their hearts for their Pop-Pop, whom they looked up to as a role model.

Eddie met the love of his life, Suzette, at the age of 18, leading to their marriage on December 3, 1977. From their love and devotion, they were blessed with three loving daughters—Elena, Tiffany, and Talisa—whom he lovingly called “Eddie’s Angels.” They were his heart. He instilled in them a strong work ethic, a loving spirit, and a deep respect for God. Although he did not desire sons, he taught his girls to be independent, whether it was fixing things, cutting grass, or pulling weeds. Their love for him is unconditional, as he never let them down. They knew they could always depend on him, no matter the day or hour.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle Burris Jr. and Doris Burris; his father-in-law, Lilton Trower; four brothers, Myrtle III, Donald L., Ronald L., and Mark Burris; and his granddaughter, Destiny Lewis.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted wife of 48 years, Suzette Burris of Camden, DE; three beautiful daughters, Elena Burris (Tommy) of Dover, DE, Tiffany Burris of Frederica, DE, and Talisa Burris of Dover, DE; his grandchildren, Thomas Lewis VI, Emanii Burris (Mary), Inejeraey Clark, Indaveion Burris, Ses’llryn Burris, Inzaveaire Fuller, Sahkiyah Burris (Abimeal), Elijah Burris Lewis, Inkunyae-Blu Ingram, Shi’la Burris, and Tristan Burris; his stepmother, Joan Draine Burris of Harrington, DE; his siblings, MaryAnn Burris of Camden, DE, Ethel Jean Burris of Felton, DE, Yolanda Draine of Smyrna, DE, Houston Burris (Patricia) of Felton, DE, JB Burris (Caroline) of Frederica, DE, Craig Burris of Camden, DE, and Caleb Harris of Dover, DE; his brothers-in-law, Wayne Jackson of Phoenix, AZ, James Trower (Althea) of Dover, DE, and Thomas Trower of Dover, DE; his sisters-in-law, Paulette Trower of Dover, DE, Dianna Beulah of Dover, DE, and Kim Cooper (Mark) of Bowie, MD; his mother-in-law, Emma Jane Trower of Dover, DE; his godfather, Elder John Baldwin (Mary) of Dover, DE; five godchildren; his special friend, Dr. John Green (Genevia) of Atlanta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and friends.