Adria Jean Burke

Adria Jean Burke was born November 15, 1943 in the little town of Yreka California. She was the middle daughter of Roy Taylor and Eleanor Taylor. Her father was a jack-of-all-trades from a custodian to volunteer firefighter in the community. Her mother was a homemaker. Jean had an older sister, Marsha Taylor and younger brother, Richard Taylor. In high school Jean enjoyed tennis, church, and being in the high school band as a majorette. After being elected Miss Siskiyou County, and having an opportunity run for Miss California, she settled into the career of cosmetology. With that dream, she moved to Sacramento. During her time there, Adria met a young, broke, but funny 2nd Lieutenant named Billy Earl Burke in the United States Air Force. With her good looks, Christian faith, and cooking skills, the young officer was smitten to his core by Adria Jean Taylor. Within three months they were engaged and then married on January 15, 1963.

The world unfolded as Jean and Billy lived in Europe, traveled extensively, and eventually began a family along the way. Jean had two sons, Timothy J. Burke and Casey Alan Burke. Despite moving at least 16 times, Jean constantly created a good home with her enthusiasm, creativity, and love for her boys. She got to see both her sons marry and begin their own families. Tim married Kara Martin having two sons, Billy Carl Burke and Troy Glen Burke. Casey married Kristi Novak and had three girls, Kenna Lea Burke, Kylie Elise Burke, and Kate Lee Burke.

After retiring, Jean and Billy settled in Granbury and became involved in their local Baptist church. They became active in their local Baptist church and kept themselves busy caring for two Labradors, and camping with family. As Jean’s health began to soften, both Billy and Jean relocated to Van Zandt County to be near Tim and Karla. Jean passed away on August 1, 2026. She received exceptional care and attention at Arabella, in Athens Texas. Adria Jean Burke finished well with having raised two sons, seeing five grandchildren graduate, and being faithful to her husband for 63 years. Her deep faith in Jesus was refined and demonstrated. Her place is now with Christ. We can now say at last that Adria Jean Burke is at last finally home. No more moving!