Jean Luther Burkhart entered the glorious presence of the Lord on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, while at home surrounded by her devoted family. She longed to see her Savior face to face and be reunited with loved ones awaiting her. Jean was born 98 years ago in Penrose, North Carolina, a small community seated at the base of Pisgah National Forest near Brevard. In 1946, she graduated from Flatrock High School in Hendersonville and soon crossed the mountains to expand her horizons in Knoxville, Tennessee. Almost immediately she was introduced by her co-workers at C. M. McClung to Henry Burkhart who had just returned home after serving in WWII. Jean and Henry wed and partnered in life for 72 years. She enthusiastically devoted her life to serving her husband, raising and befriending children, and creating a home filled with warm hospitality that was a perpetual sanctuary of love and goodness.
Jean was a bearer of light and brimmed with vitality, generosity, and joy. She walked day by day in hand with her Savior, the wellspring of her abiding presence, encouraging words, and faithful prayers. Her dependability was unwavering and her industry unstoppable. Bountiful tables of delicious food adorned with garden flowers were her hallmark.
Jean was a good listener and dispensed wise counsel only upon request. She invested deeply in those closest to her and her impact upon them is profound. Most importantly she knew the love of Christ for her and depended upon Him to provide all she needed regardless of the circumstances.
For 22 years, from 1998 until 2020, Jean volunteered at the information desk at Children’s Hospital where she made special friends and charmed and comforted children and their families with her soft eyes, warm smile, and maternal touch.
Jean is predeceased by her husband Henry Burkhart, her son Michael Henry Burkhart, her parents Dallas and Geraldine Luther, her sister Audrey (Luther) McDowell, and her brother Bruce Luther. She leaves behind her loving family, daughter Renda Jean Burkhart, son and daughter-in-law Chris and Marilyn Burkhart, and granddaughter Annalise Jeanine Burkhart, along with her beloved nieces and nephews. Jean and her family hold a special love and appreciation for her personal assistant Janel Baker and her devoted caregivers Zina Aily, Olga Pynzaru, Claudia Slobodciov, and Sharon Davis, who are all like daughters to her.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held in the main sanctuary of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, followed by a receiving of friends from 4 to 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts supporting Emerald Youth Foundation, 1718 N. Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37917, or Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, P O Box 15010, Knoxville, TN 37901-5010.
