Ruth Evelyn Manning Burke

After 102 years of a beautiful life, Evelyn went home to be with the Lord on February 17, 2022. She passed away at home surrounded by love. She truly exhibited all the well-known characteristics of “The Greatest Generation.” Evelyn is described by those who knew her as an independent, loving, strong willed woman, who was hilarious without trying to be. She was truly a joy to be around and will be greatly missed by her adoring family and friends.

Evelyn Burke was born Ruth Evelyn Manning on January 4, 1920, to the late Archie Leroy Manning and Eula Redding Manning in Drew, MS, a small town in the Mississippi Delta. The youngest of four girls in the home, she was raised in Drew along with her older sister Mary Anna and cousins Lucille and Fannie Mae.

After finishing high school, Evelyn attended Blue Mountain College for 2 years before returning home. She then met and fell in love with Ralph Burke, a barber, when he came to live in Drew. They married on November 12, 1939 and moved to Jackson, MS to make their life together. Soon after, they were blessed with their first daughter, Eva Rose. Fourteen years later, a second daughter, Deborah Lynn, completed the family. They enjoyed an idyllic family life together.

Evelyn was a career woman and settled into working for the Hinds/Madison Baptist Association as a secretary. When her “boss” Dr. J. Clark Hensley, accepted a position with the MS Baptist Convention Board’s Christian Action Commission, he insisted that she come with him. She faithfully served in this position for many years. She unexpectedly lost her husband in 1981. A few years later, she retired but did not slow down. She enjoyed many travels (Germany, the Holy Land) and was an active grandmother.

You cannot talk about Evelyn without mentioning her beloved Calvary Baptist Church. She was a faithful member of the church for 80 years and proudly named herself the oldest active member. She served in the Woman’s Missionary Union and the Chancel Choir. For 52 years, generations of children were in her 6-year-old Sunday School class. Until recently, she rarely missed a service – even if she had to drive a little over the speed limit to make it. The members of Calvary have showed her so much love and support, for which her family is exceptionally grateful.

Evelyn’s family wants to extend their heartfelt appreciation to her home caregivers, Alice Fairly for years of love & companionship, Carol McFarland and Imelda. The care, friendship and love you have given has been an immeasurable blessing. The family also wants to thank her physician of many years, Dr. James Polk, his nurse, Betty, and Kylie at Sta-Home for the personalized care they gave to her.

Evelyn is proceeded in death by her parents, Eula and Archie Manning; her husband, Ralph Burke; her sister, Mary Anna Morgan, along with many other dear friends and family member.

Evelyn is survived by her loving daughters, Eva Brown (Bill) and Debbie Easley (Bill); grandchildren, Chris Brown (Shannon), Stephanie Baumgart (Nick), Corey Easley and Melissa Flanagin (Drew); great grandchildren, Delaney Brown, Jackson Brown, Juliette Brown, Nick Baumgart, Layton Flanagin and Mary Kate Flanagin.

Services will be held at Calvary Baptist Church on February 22, 2022. Visitation begins at 10:00, with a funeral service at 11:00. Interment to follow at Lakewood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Calvary Baptist Church

1300 West Capitol Street Jackson, MS 39203