JoAnn Martin Burke passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Having lost her daughter “Pammie” in November of 2025, she is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of over 73 years, James Willis Burke, daughter Vicki Gillander (Bobby), son-in-law Rob Kearney, and son Jeffrey Burke (Vicki).
She was the beloved, spunky, and supportive “Gramoo” to grandchildren Trip Gillander (Kristen), Abbi Gillander, JoAnna Zvara (Daniel), Burke Kearney, James Kearney, Casey Burke, and great-grandchildren Carli Rose, Burkie, Wells, Ella, Sophie Jo, Olivia, and Reagan.
Born on November 6, 1930, JoAnn spent all of her 95 years in Jacksonville. She attended Landon High School, where she met her future husband and developed friendships that she cherished for over 75 years. She was the consummate homemaker and an active and dedicated volunteer in the Jacksonville community, her children’s activities, and her church. JoAnn loved nothing more than multi-generational gatherings spent with her “mountain group” families in the mountains of NC, the lake at Keystone Heights, or their home in Switzerland, Florida. She loved tradition, was a gifted and generous hostess, and provided countless opportunities for those she loved to gather and enjoy one another’s company. She will be greatly missed by the many she nurtured, loved, and welcomed with open arms.
A graveside service will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery on Monday, October 12, at 10a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mandarin Presbyterian Church, PACE Center for Girls/Jacksonville, or Seamark Ranch in Green Cove Springs.
https://www.mandarinpres.com
https://www.pacecenter.org/locations/florida/jacksonville
https://www.seamarkranch.com
