Mary married James before 16 Dec 1711, at which time she was 15 years old. James died in October 1718. In his will he appointed "my said most dear wife Mary Burwell" as an executor. This was an infrequent role for women in that day and time and indicates his high esteem for her ability.
Mary was a widow with two small children at the age of 22. Her daughter Lucy died the next year.
She married second, Philip Lightfoot. Mary outlived Philip by more than 25 years.
In the 30 June 1775 edition of the "Virginia Gazette", appeared "Died, Mrs. Mary Lightfoot at York, relict of the late Hon. Philip Lightfoot, Esq., one of his Majesty's Council of this Colony, in the 79th year of her age. Her corpse passed through town this morning to be deposited in the family vault at Sandy Point."
Her will written 9 Sep 1771 was probated 21 Aug 1775. In it she distributes more than 10,000 pounds Sterling, a very handsome fortune in those days, particularly for a woman. That she had this much is testimony to her ability. Philip felt he could trust her with a sizeable legacy. And he was right. She obviously managed it well.
In her will she identifies a great number of her descendants from both marriages. (From "Burwell Residents of King's Creek" by Paul John.)
She was referred to as "a pretty woman".
