Wilsona was a friend of mine for over 40 years; I first met her as an apartment mate in Raleigh. We shared fun times together, and she inspired me with her intellect and her caring and loving nature. She will be missed by all those who knew and loved her.
Hilda Chisholm Evans
Pamplico, SC

Wilsona was a dearly loved neighbor.  She cared for others deeply and God allowed her to feel the love of others during this past year.  Wilsona taught my daughter alot about nature and plants.  As well, she was my daughter's interview for a Girl Scout badge.  Wilsona was a Christ-like woman that was the hands and feet of God.  May angels welcome her with trumpets and joyous singing.  Wilsona, I will miss you dearly.

.....to our friend and coworker, Wilsona Burke 1944-2013, the love and care you shared with the world in your own unique way was a special gift...now you can continue to watch and love through your new eyes and heart which are without pain....PS...how many angel-bears are watching with you???? Love you forever......

Miss Burke taught all my children when she was at York.  A very gifted and caring teacher.  She was devoted to her students attaining their full potential. A very wonderful teacher and person.

I only met you once but I knew from the first time that you had much love and compassion.  you will be missed in the community and those that you have touched. you are truely one of gods angels. you will be missed

Lovely lady, always had a smile and kind word.It was a pleasure to have known her!

     I had the privilege of working with Wil-Bear at York Elementary school.  She became a dear friend and family member while we lived in Raleigh.  She made a difference in children's lives with her teaching and her love for them.  Our own children loved her dearly.  She will be a "good soul" in God's kingdom.  Barry & Jill McMillion

Wilsona Lee Burke
March 9, 1944 â€“ January 16, 2013

     Wilsona, the second daughter of the late Clyde L.and Mattie Lee Burke was born on March 9, 1944 in Raleigh where she resided throughout her life.  She attended Fred Olds Elementary and later Broughton High School, where she graduated with honors.  She was the grand daughter of Will and Nettie Craig of Lee County and M.S. and Josie Burke of Chatham County.  

     In 1966 after choosing Campbell College as her choice of higher education she graduated with a degree in education and a portfolio which included involvement with the religious and educational community outreach programs of the Baptist Student Union.  She served as Vice President of the Young Women's Auxiliary whose purpose was,to meet the needs in the community and in the world through the unselfish giving of time and talent, a premise which became the hallmark of Wilsona's life.

     Wilsona enjoyed a long, dedicated teaching career of 30 years beginning with Berry O'Kelly School and continued at J.W. York.Elementary in Raleigh, where she was recognized as an outstanding, Wake County educator.  Her passion for guiding students to reach their full potential plus her exemplary teaching skills, a special love for N. C. history and the lasting legacy of admiration, gratitude and respect by parents, students, and fellow educators led to her being selected  as a contributing editor for a chapter in a state adopted textbook, North Carolina-The Land and Its People for elementary students.  As an extension of her career and love for teaching about N.C. Wilsona served as a valued volunteer resource at the N.C. Museum of History to train docents for class tours. Wil was one of the first N.C. Volunteers in a 60's program operating under the auspices of the Peach Corps, serving poverty stricken communities within our state. More recently she was a principal contributor to a recent UNC thesis project and public television documentary on this program.

     Wil was a life-long member of Forest Hills Baptist Church and contributed to that community through her membership in Sunday School, the WMU, committee leadership and her Card Mailing Ministry, the Valentine Cookie Project and her own Homeless Angel Ornament Project.  She raised money for the Raleigh Rescue Mission through sales of her gift-boxed homeless angel ornaments made by a local Raleigh artist/friend. 

     She continued her devotion to education through her longtime involvement with the professional service sorority, Alpha Delta Kappa of which she was an active member.  

Wilsona is survived by a nephew, Robert Barbour, wife, Terry, a great niece Danielle, great nephew, Christopher; great niece, Jennifer Moore and husband Richard, and great nephew, Tim Adams and wife Elizabeth.  Family Visitation at Forest Hills Baptist Church on Saturday at 9:30 a.m., Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary and burial to follow at Montlawn Cemetery, Hwy 70E. In Raleigh.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts and donations may be made in her name to Forest Hills Baptist Church, Raleigh, N.C. for an education fund or to Hospice House, Trinity Rd., Raleigh, N.C.

OBITUARY

Wilsona Lee Burke

9 March, 1944 – 16 January, 2013

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home

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