Obituary of Wilbert Burley

OBITUARY Wilbert Burley, affectionately known as "Sammy or Burl", was born on May 26, 1940 to Mabel and Robert Burley, Sr. in Harlem, New York. He departed this life on November 23, 2015. At an early age Wilbert and his family moved to Elizabeth City, North Carolina. As a child he was very active in his family chores, and like everything he did, he mastered the job of picking cotton – earning him the name of "Cotton Picking Sam". Wilbert and his family moved back north to Riverton, New Jersey in the early 1950's, and they eventually moved to Camden where he attended Camden City Schools. Wilbert attended Woodrow Wilson High School where he graduated in 1959. During his tenure at Woodrow Wilson, Wilbert excelled in Basketball, Baseball, Football and Track and Field. His many accomplishments included being named King of Sportsat his High School graduation because he excelled and broke numerous records in all the above-mentioned sports; some of those records may still exist. He also collected eleven (11) Varsity Letters while attending WWHS. One of Wilbert's greatest high school sports memories is being a part of the 1959 WWHS Basketball Team that defeated the often un-defeated Camden High School Panthers. After high school, Wilbert played briefly with the Semi-Pro Football Team - the Camden County Wildcats.He later attended and received his Associates Degree from Camden County College and his Bachelor Degree from Glassboro College (now Rowan University.) Wilbert held numerous positions and jobs throughout the Camden County Area. He was employed by the Housing Authority of the City of Camden, the City of Camden Law Department ,and the State of New Jersey Department of Corrections where he retired from Riverfront State Prison as a Recreation Coordinator. Wilbert and his family also operated Burley's Luncheon in the late 1960's. Very active in his Whitman Park community, Wilbert was known for his mentoring of the neighborhood children, his involvement with the Camden City Recreation Program and his dedication to the Whitman Park Youth Organization. He was a mentor, coach, teacher and a friend. He also served as a City Committeeman for numerous years where he assisted and advised many elected officials and community servants. Wilbert was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity where he pledged Graduate Chapter. Wilbert's interest and activities included going to the Casino, playing Poker with his buddies at his apartment complex and spending time with his family and friends. His will always be remembered for love of ice cream, sweet potato pie and his sister's rice pudding. Wilbert leaves to cherish his memory his mother – Mabel Brown; his Sisters – Doris Monroe and Betty Mitchell; his son - Anthony "Tony" Burley, daughters - Dana M. Burley and Lavonna Stanley; grandchildren – Michael Mayers, Tonee Burley, Jah'mere Jones, and Jurnee Stanley; Great-grandchildren – Michael, Jr., Bryton, and Janelle; nieces – Veronica Hilton (Ralph), Jacinta Mitchell (Kevin); nephews – Jerome and Gregory; special uncle – Ralph Shannon and a host of relatives and many special friends. The Family