On October 10, 1951, Bernard Ernest Burke, Jr. was born in Chattanooga to the late Bernard Ernest Burke, Sr. and Josie Louise Burke. He was the oldest of four children. From his parents, he inherited the love of God, education, the importance of family and being of service to others.
Bernard loved the lord. He was an avid bible reader and knew his scriptures. He accepted Christ at an early age at Wiley Memorial United Methodist Church. Bernard enjoyed being an active member and servant at his church, From the Heart Church Ministries of Atlanta; where he served diligently until he fell ill. He was a member of the fellowship committee, an usher and a job counselor.
He was reared and educated in Chattanooga public schools. He was a graduate of Riverside High School Class of 1969. He then followed in his father’s footsteps and attended Talladega College, where he received degrees in business administration and psychology, Class of 1973.
While attending Talladega, he pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, Gamma Psi Chapter. This is also where he met his first wife, the late Dora Ann Moseley Burke and together they reared three beautiful daughters.
After leaving Talladega, Bernard went to work for the Atlanta Police Department and then Opportunities Industries Center of Atlanta. After leaving OIC, he had numerous other jobs and pursuits but his true calling was for education, outreach ministries and service to his community.
He volunteered with several organizations while working as a special education teacher with the Dekalb County School System. After retiring from the school system, he continued to volunteer and work with the Salvation Army, Greyhound Transportation, and Unilever.
Bernard loved LIFE … to know him was to know a man who cared for anyone and everyone he ever met ... he never met a stranger! He had a warm smile, contagious laughter and a generous spirit. Bernard was always ready to tell a story about any number of subjects, including Atlanta, his family, friends and work. He would share stories about music and its origins, as well as various details of history.
Bernard, affectionately known as “BB”, was a kid at heart. He enjoyed peach soda, chocolate chip cookies, taking selfies, DD’s dirty rice and his Tam’s cupcakes. He was a lover of all types of music, from gospel to rap. He loved football, and was a huge fan of both the Atlanta Falcons and the Georgia Bulldogs.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Harold G. Burke, Sr.; his first wife; and his second wife, Mildred Winbish Burke.
To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife, Katherine Carter Burke; two sisters, Katie Bernadette Wrighten (Charleston, SC) and Avis Andrews-Gary (Knoxville), three daughters, Maletta Larry
(Dallas/Fort Worth, Tx.), Tamara Burke (Athens, Ga.) and Deandra (Eric) Wooden (College Park, Ga.); five grandchildren, Cameron Wooden (Birmingham, Al.), Ashliegh Wooden (Savannah, Ga.) Morgan Wooden (Dallas, Ga.), Channing Larry (Dallas/Fort Worth, Tx.) and Charles K. Larry, Jr. (Tulsa, Ok.); and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and family.
Visitation:
Friday, September 14, 2018, 4-8 p.m.
Memorial Mortuary, Inc.
419 Flat Shoals Avenue SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
404-522-7478
Celebration of Life Services:
Saturday, September 15, 2018 @ 11 a.m.
From The Heart Church Ministries of Atlanta
1583 Westhaven Drive SW
Atlanta, GA 30311
Pastor Charles Starks, Eulogist
Interment:
Forest Lawn Gardens
5755 Mallory Road
College Park, GA 30349
Arrangements by Memorial Mortuary, Inc., 419 Flat Shoals Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, 404-522-7478
Courtesy Announcement by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 423-622-9995.