Burkett, Roosevelt (Age 74) of La Plata, Maryland. Roosevelt Burkett Sr., known to many as Teddy, was born July 29, 1940, in Sumter, South Carolina to the late Sarah Jones and John Sanders. He was adopted and raised by his grandparents, the late George Burkett and Mattie Campbell Burkett. On May 6, 2015, at Medstar Southern Maryland Hospital Center in Clinton Maryland, Teddy was called to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

After attending school in Sumter County, South Carolina, he started his adult journey first by moving to Columbia, South Carolina working "odd jobs." In 1958, he and his childhood friend "Locky" decided to move to Washington, DC seeking gainful employment as many of his family and friends did before him.

Once in Washington, D.C., Teddy began his career as a carpenter building structures all over the city. He truly found his calling in construction, and often spoke about his contributions to notable DC landmarks such as the Kennedy Center, the Housing Urban Development building, and Metro stations.

One night in the summer of 1960, Teddy and his friends decided to attend a show at the original Howard Theatre where he met the love of his life, Leola T. Dowtin. The two became inseparable and married on February 2, 1963. Still a country boy at heart, Teddy fell in love with Southern Maryland when he visited his coworker's home. This place reminded him so much of South Carolina that he was determined to move his young family there. In the late 1960s, Teddy brought over one acre of land and began to personally build a family home. By the winter of 1970, the house was complete and the family relocated to their new home in Southern Maryland to begin a new chapter.

In January 1978, Teddy suffered severe injuries during an accident while working on his home which caused him to become totally blind. His injuries forced him to retire from his job as a carpenter. He was a member of the Carpenter Local Union 132. This accident may have taken his sight but not his will to remain strong and independent in many ways. He continued to be a loving husband, and an involved parent raising his children to become respectful, forgiving, and trustworthy adults.

Teddy was a very sociable and likable person who loved people and laughter. His personality touched everyone he met. He had the gift of gab and could strike up a meaningful conversation with anyone who was willing to talk. He had an outstanding memory. As an example, he knew how to get around Washington, D.C. and many places in South Carolina as if he had a built-in GPS. His other passion was gardening. During the summers, Teddy loved to plant vegetable gardens and enjoy the harvest. He would give away most of his crops to friends and family.

He also loved listening to the Blues and his favorite artist included B.B. King, Aretha Franklin and James Brown. In 2009, he had the pleasure to attend his first B.B. King concert. Throughout the years, he was surrounded and supported by close and lifelong friends Alphonso "Fonso" Alston, Daniel "Locky" Spencer, Exere Haile, Charles Alton and William "Eddie" Jackson.

In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by his loyal and loving wife, Leola Burkett, daughter, Loretta Burkett, five siblings, James Burkett, Wilhelmenia Young, Ruth Burkett, Queen Esther Anderson, and Marcus Burkett.

Teddy leaves to cherish his memories six loving children, Anthony Burkett, Roosevelt Burkett Jr. (Kimberly), Pamela Jones (Preston), Zaneta Burkett, Crystal Burkett, and Jacarvin Burkett; six grandchildren, Quentin Burkett, Justin Jones, Deron Burkett, Ikea Burkett, Jalen Jones, and Ayden Burkett; four siblings, Elizabeth Brunson, Rebecca Blanding, Magnolia White, and George Burkett; four sisters-in-law, Marilee Burkett, Juanita Washington, Sara Porter, and Peggy Carter; 11 half-siblings and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He will be deeply missed by family and friends.

His Viewing will be held from 8:00am until time of Service 10:00am on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at the Calvary Gospel Church, 11150 Berry Road, Waldorf, Maryland 20603. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, Maryland. Arrangements provided by Thornton Funeral Home.