Miss Lizzie M. Burges was born in Seguin, Texas, on March 4, 1883. She was the daughter of Alice and Harry Burges, second in a family of six children. Miss Burges was a graduate of the original Guadalupe College, an institute of higher learning for African-Americans established in Guadalupe County, which was located on the same site as the Burges campus.

She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from this college in 1904. She began her teaching career the following fall semester after earning a permanent teaching certification. The late Dr. W. B. Ball was her first principal at the A. Lincoln School on the site of the present Lizzie M. Burges School. The Lincoln School was later named Ball High School. Here, Miss Burges taught her beloved children in Seguin for 44 years until her retirement. One of her students went on to become the last principal of Black public education in Seguin, Mr. Henry F. Wilson, who served from 1945 until integration was effected in 1966.

Miss Burges has been described by her family, students, and friends as a modest, lovely woman; a dedicated, conscientious, capable teacher, and a strong worker in her church. She was a devoted member of Second Baptist Church and walked to church every Sunday from her home on Jefferson St. For 40 years she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. Miss Burges loved music, nature, children, and family and was loved by all.