Written by Jason S. Sullivan

Tillie Burgin and Mission Arlington

Few people in Arlington have made a difference like Tillie Burgin. As the founder of Mission Arlington, she has helped change countless lives in our community.

Early Days and Missionary Work

Born Tillie Lester in 1936, her family settled in Arlington in the 1930s. Mission Arlington, which Tillie founded in 1986, is located only a block from the former Lester family homestead.

Tillie graduated from Arlington High School in 1954 and earned her degrees from North Texas State University (now UNT). She married Bob Burgin in 1956 at First Baptist Church of Arlington. After Bob joined the military in 1958, Tillie joined him in South Korea, teaching English in missionary housing. The couple later returned to South Korea as missionaries with their two sons.

Bob and Tillie returned to Arlington in 1978. Both were educators for the Arlington Independent School District. They realized that if they could do missionary work in South Korea, why not the same in Arlington?

Mission Arlington

Tillie started the nonprofit Mission Arlington in 1986—a faith-based organization providing goods and services to community members who need them. Mission Metroplex began in 1990, greatly expanding the organization’s outreach efforts to assist even more people. For nearly 40 years, Tillie has led Mission Arlington as the Executive Director, truly making a difference in our community and being a tremendous resource.

Mission Arlington / Metroplex

Going far beyond food and clothing, Mission Arlington offers healthcare, counseling, school supplies, after-school programs, emergency assistance, and more. Holiday support is equally strong for Easter, Thanksgiving, and especially Christmas, where they provide gifts to thousands of children while sharing the reason for the season.

Tillie with a bag of school supplies for kids.
Tillie Burgin, Executive Director of Mission Arlington, provides a tour of the operations of the clinic. Mission Arlington on Mon. April 24, 2023 (Photo/Mike Demas).

Mission Arlington provides all this free of charge, relying on donations and community support. Their motto of “when you give it, we give it away” is a testament to their beautiful, humanitarian spirit. The nonprofit organization is an unparalleled resource in our community and has changed countless lives.

Though Tillie has earned endless accolades, the work itself remains her true reward. Nearing 90 years old, Miss Tillie still shows up daily to serve—beloved in Arlington and far beyond.

Photo Credits: Mission Arlington

Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 08-01-24

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