Harriet Ann Burks

Harriet Ann Burks, 73, passed away November 8, 2014 in Everett, Washington. She was born to Henry and Emma Gilmer February 5, 1941 in Jackson, Mississippi. Ann was a nurse following a long tradition in her family going back to her great-grandmother. The figurine of the nurse was one of her favorites.

She also was an expert with fancy needle work, and she was especially good at the style called Hardanger. The name refers to a place in Norway where it is traditional. She also was fond of the European cross stitch work with its old traditional patterns. You should display her collection in a way that makes the work visible. Few people knew the expert level of accomplishment involved in making such pieces, and it always astonishes them to see large works. Most of these were done as I read to her in the evenings. An artful display will help people to know her talent and skill. She valued these two figurines of sewing ladies, and they will make a good display.

She also was an expert artist. When we were stationed in Germany she was taught by an old art professor to paint in the style of the old masters. These paintings are done in that traditional method. Most are copies of well known works, but the Washer Women is an original work.

I can not find any photographs that she would wish to be displayed. She always felt that photos showed her in a negative way.

Music is a little easier since she knew a great many hymns. I played for her every afternoon on my piano, and it was a pleasure for us both. There are many works to choose from. I would prefer that you find instrumental versions, but do what you think best. She preferred simple direct performances rather than elaborate pieces. Only six pieces are of particular significance: "Whispering Hope", this piece was sung at her grand-father's funeral, and it should have a prominent place. "I Come to the Garden Alone", a piece with an especially fine tune and specifically appropriate words since she loved to garden. "Fur Elise", a simple Beethoven tune which she especially enjoyed hearing me play. "What a Friend We Have in Jesus", a hymn she has been fond of since childhood. "Just As I Am", William Bradbury's most famous work. And the Welsh hymn called "Ar Hyd Nos", better known in English as All Through the Night. It is so popular that many versions of it exist.

She liked the Bach preludes and the first movement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata along with the Rachmaninoff prelude in C-sharp minor.

A celebration of Ann's life will be held November 15, 2015, 1:00 p.m. at Weller Funeral Home, 327 N. MacLeod Ave., Arlington, Washington 98223.