Linda Gray Burkett

Linda Gray Burkett, a dedicated, caring and outstanding Law Enforcement Officer, passed from this life on September 9, 2009 after a courageous fight with Pancreatic Cancer. Commander Burkett was a trail blazer who had a long career (28 years) with the Tucson Police Department, serving as a dispatcher before being one of the departments first two females to graduate from the Tucson Police Academy. She helped transform the communications center to the current 911 system. She steadily rose through the officer ranks into the command staff. She headed several divisions, including Operations Division East, the Tucson Police Academy and was the first to command MANTIS. Captain Burkett was the first woman to retire with 25 years of service as a commissioned officer from the Tucson Police Department on January 29, 1999. On September 23, 1994 she graduated from the FBI National Academy, and was the only woman in her 178th Session. Until her recent illness, she served the United States Department of State in the Washington, D.C. as a Special Investigator for this region.

Linda was born in Keensburg, Illinois on January 18, 1942 to parents Warren Gray and Katherine (Cowling) Gray. She was raised in Southern Illinois and moved to Tucson in 1957. She graduated from Catalina High School. She is preceded by her parents, infant sister Leona, sister Marilyn Kay and brother Norman. She is survived by a loving sister Wilma (Gray) Moats. She was a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews and a second mom to many. She is also survived by many children she sponsored through World Vision.

Linda was the supreme example of the “accomplished” woman; spiritually, professionally, a family role model and a true friend to so many! Attested to by the manner in which she provided loving support, mentoring and guidance to her nieces and nephews, as well as her extended families. Also, the boundless loving care she gave to her ill mother, as an incredible, non-judgmental lasting friend and spiritually a faithful and trusting believer in her Lord. Linda loved to travel, play golf, cycle and read in her favorite past time. She possessed a great sense of humor and will live in our hearts and memories, forever.

Most of all, Linda was blessed by being surrounded by a host of incomparable friends who expressed their affection and appreciation for how her life touched theirs. She was grateful for all their support and kindness and she felt the same for them. One card stated, “What an incredible life, what an incredible woman”. She responded, “What an incredible God to surround me with such wonderful people all these years. Thanks to God and all of you.”

In place of flowers, Linda requested that donations be made to any charity assisting needy children.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2009 at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 E. Grant Rd. Service will be held at 10:00 Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at Faith Community Church, 2551 W. Orange Grove Rd. Interment to follow at East Lawn Palms Mortuary.

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