Celeste Dominique Burgess, 16, beloved daughter, sister, teammate, and friend, stepped from time into eternity on June 21, 2013. Celeste was born in Winston-Salem, NC on January 3, 1997.
Celeste received her education through Brunson Elementary School, Paisley Middle School, Mt. Tabor and New Hope Christian Academy.

Celeste was raised in a Christian home, accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior, and was baptized at an early age. Her favorite scripture was Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me."
From an early age, it was apparent that Celeste was destined for greatness. She walked in the gift of empathy and cared deeply for others. Celeste has affected many people with her leadership skills on and off the court.

Celeste was an outstanding athlete. At nearly 6'' tall she excelled on the hardwood. Celeste first began playing basketball at the local recreational centers in Winston-Salem. Celeste has formed many lifelong relationships with other young ladies throughout her community. After much hard work, she blossomed into a major Division 1 recruit. Celeste will be remembered for playing for many recreational centers and AAU Teams including: Winston-Salem Stealers, North Carolina Spartans of Charlotte, NC, Lady Phoenix Elite Team, Mt. Tabor High School, and New Hope Christian Academy in Thomasville, NC.
Celeste won numerous awards including All Northwest team, and the Mary Garber Classic All-Tournament Team.

Celeste was also an active member of the Christian Fellowship Athletic Club; Crosby Scholars where she volunteered and attained many volunteer community services hours; and she was a recent inductee into the National Honor Society.
Mostly recently, as a raising junior, Celeste attended the Gatorade Camp in Greensboro, NC.

Most importantly, Celeste loved her family, and leaves to cherish her memories her parents, Allen and Donna Burgess; two brothers, Marcus (Leslie) Peoples of Daleville, AL and Caleb Burgess of W-S,NC; one sister Creagh Roberson of Tifton, GA; nine uncles, Larry Burgess, Barry Burgess, Terry (Marsha) Burgess, Sylvester (Pam )Burgess, and Roger (Dot) Burgess all of Lenoir, NC, Benjamin Peoples, Jr., Calvin Peoples, and Kenneth (Mona) Peoples of Orlando, FL, and Louis Christopher Brooks of Cordele, GA; seven aunts, Barbara Burgess, Brenda (Franklin) Thomas, Jessica(Steve) Ikard all of Lenoir, NC, Cynthia Burgess of Greensboro, NC, Debra Lane of El Paso, TX, Edwina Lane of Ft. Bliss, TX, and Thelma Daffin of Belle Glade, FL; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm Monday, July 1, 2013 at St. Peters Church & World Outreach Center with Bishop J.C. Hash, Sr. officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1pm on Monday at the Church.