WILLIAMSPORT - Maurice Burden, 63, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at UPMC Williamsport due to complications from lymphoma. He was born on July 17, 1962, in Newark, New Jersey, and was the son of Victorine "Vick" Burden of Newark, NJ, and the late John Lee Bethea of Latta, SC.

Maurice served in the U.S. Navy and later worked at the Lycoming County Courthouse in Williamsport, where he eventually retired. He was an active and devoted member of Narcotics Anonymous, and was a tireless advocate for recovery. He enjoyed music, computers, being the unofficial neighborhood electronics shop for "fixing people's TVs," his blue Ford Explorer, and helping his community in every way he could. His endless patience, calm demeanor, and love of singing a song to pass the time made everyone around him feel better.

Known to many as Mo, Big Mo, Mr. Maurice, Reese, Moe, Little Rooster, or just Dad, he loved making people smile, keeping things light, and being there for every single member of his community exactly when they needed it, no matter the time or situation. He was a younger cousin to the Burden, Rogers, Bethea, Moody, Leslie, and McEachern families of Floydale, Latta, and Dillon, South Carolina, and to the Brigman and Vereen families of Tabor City, North Carolina.

He was predeceased by his father John Lee Bethea, his maternal grandfather James Ray, his maternal grandmother Lilly "Missy" Ray, and her stepfather James Burden.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his son, Dashon (Chelsea Deklotz) Burton of Hermitage, Tennessee; one grandchild, Zora Calloway Burton-Deklotz; and a host of loving cousins and extended family. He is also survived by Shonda Bush, who was like a daughter to him, and whom he cherished like the rest of his family.

Those who wish to honor his memory will have an opportunity to support his mother's ongoing care, details will be made available soon.

Burial was held in Wildwood Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements were provided by Maneval Allen Redmond Funeral Home, 500 W. 4th St., Williamsport.