Opal L Burke

Opal Lee Burke, 92, born to Hiram and Minnie Shockley of Granite City, IL, on June 15, 1923, passed from this life Sunday morning, July 26, 2015, at St. Catherines Laboure Manor, Jacksonville. She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, John Richard Burke (married May 2, 1943), and her son Thomas Richard, as well as her parents, her ten siblings, and one grandson. She is survived by her son David L. Burke of Jacksonville, daughters-in-law Sandra Burke (Illinois), Elaine Burke (Missouri), and Vickie Burke (Jacksonville), eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law (Katie Shockley and Audrey Heintz), and many nieces and nephews.

Opal was a devoted pastor’s wife and loved her family. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, puzzles, and visiting with friends. She was known for her quick wit and indefatigable sense of humor, enthusiasm in personal relationships, and her love for the Lord’s House. She was a member of the Inman United Church of Christ in Kansas but attended Ortega Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, where her son David is pastor, after moving to North Florida in 2007 with husband John to be near family. She loved being in the house of the Lord and we trust, by God’s grace, she is singing the hymns she loved in God’s heavenly choir. She was truly an unforgettable and dear person who will be remembered and treasured.

A graveside service is planned for 10:00 AM Thursday, July 30, 2015, at Jacksonville Memory Gardens Cemetery, 111 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL, Pastor David Burke officiating, followed by a Noon luncheon at Ortega Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 4406 Longfellow St., Jacksonville, FL. Friends and Church family are invited.