Billie Kaye Burke

She is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, Joe “Stoney” Burke; her daughter, Allison Burke Vande Kieft, and son-in-law, Steve Vande Kieft; her granddaughter, Zoe Vande Kieft, and her husband, Joseph Fisher; and her grandson, Zachary Vande Kieft. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Mack Burke Jr., and sister-in-law, Byra Burke, of Arkansas, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and their families, all of whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, E.H. and Veda Hammond; her grandmother, Billie Burgess; her sister, Judy Benson, and brother-in-law, Art Benson; and her in-laws, Mack Burke Sr. and Lucille Burke.

Kaye was born on September 24, 1946, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She met the love of her life, Joe, while attending Polytechnic High School in Fort Worth, Texas, and they were married on August 12, 1966—just shy of celebrating 60 years together.

Throughout her career, Kaye worked as an administrative assistant and office manager, taking pride in staying busy and purposeful. She and Joe spent time on the East Coast and in Ohio before ultimately returning home to Texas.

Kaye’s proudest role was being “Mom” to Allison and “Mimi” to her grandchildren. A devoted and loving mother and grandmother, she was her family’s biggest cheerleader, always ready with encouragement, wisdom, and the right words when they were needed most. Her Christmas celebrations were legendary, birthdays were always joyful occasions, and even on ordinary days, she made sure those around her felt deeply loved.

She cherished her Moslah Shriner family and formed many lasting friendships in the Mystic Wheels and beyond. She and Joe rarely missed a TSA event, ceremonial dance, or Potentate’s Ball until this year.

Although she never quite got around to reading the book, she loved the Book Club and any opportunity to spend time with dear friends.

Kaye and Joe shared many memorable trips to Tunica, Mississippi, and later to Shreveport, Louisiana, enjoying weekends filled with laughter, blackjack, craps, slot machines, and time together - especially at the Shark Bar.

Our hearts are broken by her passing, but as we told her, this is not goodbye – just “See you later.”

Her memorial service will be held May 23, 2026, at 1:00pm at Fellowship of the Parks, 1901 Hall Johnson Road, Grapevine, Texas.