Maurice Burkley

MAURICE D. BURKLEY, affectionately known as “Stymie,” was 
born on July 29, 1970, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Enoch Burkley and 
Mattie L. Burkley. He was the youngest child of 7 siblings. 
Maurice attended Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois, and 
later went on to attend Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 
and Chicago State University in Chicago, Illinois. He was most recently 
employed at NFI Industries since 2020. Maurice had a love for and played 
football while in high school. Maurice was able to carry out his love for 
the game through his son, providing much love and support, along with 
extensive training in hopes of him to one day becoming a pro football 
athlete, which was his dream, as well an entrepreneur. He was best known 
for his athletic abilities in wrestling and accomplished many victories as 
a state champion. 
Anyone who knew “Stymie” knew that he had a love for motorcycles and 
loved to ride with many of his childhood homies like Boonie, Spence, T 
Money, Tyrus, Vic, and Hosie, just to name a few. He was also known for 
his style and love for straw hats, with a whole collection of custom hats 
named after his son...and let’s not forget the colored furs and watches. 
Some of Maurice’s best childhood friends that visited 16th street were 
Eddie Jennings, Ned James, Thomas Stevenson, Ronald Todd, Darren 
Brown, Dana Travis, and Rob Stewart, who preceded him in death. 
Maurice had many long conversations about his life and son with Ed Brock, 
Steven Gates, Carl Davis, Eric Bassett, Twin, Scootie, Moon Hrobrowski, 
Henry “Hoop” Brown and Stephen Scott. Maurice shared some special 
relationships with a lot of people whom he loved and respected, but we 
couldn’t name them all.
Maurice and Stephanie Greer shared a special relationship; she was his 
significant other for 27 years, and they were blessed to have his only 
birthed son, Maurice Jahari Burkley, Jr. Maurice also loved and raised 
Mose “BJ” Oliver as his son.
Maurice was preceded in death by his father, Enoch Burkley, and sibling, 
Yama (Genia).
Maurice transitioned from this Earth on September 14, 2022, at 1:22 a.m. 
Maurice leaves behind his: son, Maurice J Burkley, Jr.; mother, Mattie L. 
Burkley; and siblings Derry (Nancy), Nola, Anthony (Charnette), Ezeria 
“Patrick,” Sharon; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

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