Katherine Tenser Powell Burge

Katherine Tenser Powell Burge, age 98, a lifelong resident of Dolphin, VA, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Born in Charlie Hope, VA, she was the seventh child of James Gholson Powell and Mary Street Wilkinson Powell. She was the granddaughter of the late Dr. Robert Simmons Powell and Ellen Powell. She was the last survivor of her family of 10 children. She was the widow of Edward Randolph Burge, Sr., a proud WWII veteran, tobacco farmer and former Postmaster and rural mail carrier.

After attending grade school in Charlie Hope, Kitty graduated from Lawrenceville High School in 1945 and went on to complete business courses. She married Edward Burge in 1947 and was a fixture in Dolphin community for the rest of her life. Katherine was raised in a Christian home and was a member of Pleasant Grove Methodist Church. She learned the catechism in the Presbyterian Church where she attended Bible study for many years. After she and Edward were married, she became a member of Liberty Methodist Church (1948) and was a member of Women’s Missionary Society. In 1964, she was made a life member of WMS. The old Liberty Church needed much repair, and in 1973, a new church was dedicated. She remained a member of that church until her death. She was a Sunday school teacher and completed the School of Missions in Lynchburg. She taught the adult class for 40 and the junior class for two years. She loved participating in vacation Bible school and felt blessed to serve in these ways.

Katherine’s Postal Service career began with a part-time position in 1951 and was later appointed Postmaster of Dolphin, VA. Her career spanned more than 31 years, retiring in 1997. She enjoyed her job and the many friends she made over the years.

In retirement, she traveled extensively, taking trips to Alaska, Arizona, Maryland, West Virginia, Canada, and Washinton D.C., as well as 11 other southern states.

Katherine will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a joyous friend, and a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.

She is survived by a son, E.R. Burge, Jr. (Diane); a daughter, Carolyn Burge Finch (Ronnie); grandchildren, Charles B. Ward, Jr., Barbara McGarry (John), Beverly Roberts (Brian) and Bladen Clark Finch; great-grandchildren, Allison Ward, Ashleigh McGarry, Quinn Roberts, and Eli McGarry.

A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Williams Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, VA, followed by interment at Crestview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Liberty Church, 3381 Planters Road, Lawrenceville, VA 23868 or a charity of your choice.