Born in Hendersonville, North Carolina, Colleen was the daughter of Albert and Bessie Hamilton and lived a long life defined by love, strength, and deep devotion to her family.
Colleen was one of the most loving individuals one could ever meet and would gladly talk with anyone about anything. She truly had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone in need. She found great joy spending time outdoors working in her yard and garden, loving on her animals, and doing puzzles. Most importantly, she cherished visits from her family and treasured the time she spent sitting, talking, and laughing with those she loved.
For more than 25 years, Colleen proudly served her community as a special needs school bus driver for Jefferson County Public Schools. Through this work, she demonstrated her deep dedication to children, especially those who needed extra care, patience, and understanding, touching the lives of countless families along the way.
Colleen was incredibly strong and overcame breast cancer not once, but twice. She handled life’s challenges with grace and resilience, always moving forward and never giving up, inspiring those around her by the way she lived.
Colleen is survived by her four children: Janice Cates (Jon), Michael Burke (Paula), Kevin Burke (Peggy), and Scotty Burke (Debbie). She is also lovingly remembered by her 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William “Bill” Burke; her granddaughter, Jamie Lee Burke; her brothers, Albert “Buster” Hamilton, Delmar Hamilton, and J.T. Hamilton; her sister, Lillian Welch; and her parents, Albert and Bessie Hamilton.
Colleen’s kindness, strength, and unwavering love for her family and community will live on in the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Colleen’s honor to Hosparus Health.
A Service of Remembrance and Prayer will be held on Thursday, January 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at Arch L. Heady & Son Funeral Home - Okolona Chapel. She will laid to rest in the Veterans Garden of Highland Memory Gardens at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 1, 2026, from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. and again on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 10:00 - 11:15 a.m. also at the Arch L. Heady & Son Funeral Home - Okolona Chapel.
Those who wish to join the procession from the Funeral Home to Highland Memory Gardens are asked to arrive at the Funeral Home no later than 11:15 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026.
Arrangements are under the direction of Arch L. Heady and Son Funeral Home – Okolona Chapel, “Where Personal And Sincere Service Is Tradition.”
