Myrtle Doris Burke

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Myrtle Doris Burke, 93, departed Jacksonville, Florida, bound for glory at 3:33 pm on Saturday, November 13, 2021. When her heart failed, her soul soared. She was born on Sunday, July 8, 1928, in Rockingham, NC, to the late Mamie Carter and James Albert Saunders. She lived most of her life in her favorite place, Wilmington, NC. Doris owned and operated a successful business making custom draperies, comforters, and accessories for decorators in southeast North Carolina for 40 years. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert A. Burke, Sr. and, their son, Robert A. Burke, Jr. (survived by Kathy). Doris was a devout Christian and had a great love for Jesus. She was a faithful voter in every election and fearless protester, the darling of many rallies with her “This 90-year-old is not a professional protestor “sign. Her last act on earth was casting her final ballot in the current election, deposited in the drop box on Friday, the day before she left the planet. Having talked with staff that day, we checked back and were assured that her vote will count! We know that makes her happy. Her favorite hobby was dressing up, applying her makeup, and fixing her hair perfectly EVERY day. Fatma Hodzic was her very best friend and her favorite “daughter”. Donald Drake, was a true joy! His friendship kept her heart happy over the past three years. Doris loved to eat fried green tomatoes, Fatma’s roasted peppers, and Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup. She is survived by three children: Linda Ferrigno (Vince), Melody Stephens (Phil), and Dennis Burke (Debora); ten grandchildren: Mike Monaghan (Markell Lynch), Robbie Burke (Jodi), Melissa Meadows (Chris), Buffy Woughter (Rob, deceased), Katrina Combs, Michele Burke, Dennis Burke, Jr. (Carla), Eldina, Mirela and Haris Hodzic; twelve great-grandchildren: Megan Monaghan, Josh, Zach and Noah Burke, Taylor Meadows, Zak Clowdus (Emma), Katherine Wagoner (Bryan), Kyle Crist, Jimmy and Phillip Combs, Israel Johnson, and Kierianna Capps; and four great-great-grandchildren: Heidi Bloom, Clementine and Archer Clowdus, and Kinsley Rose Waggoner. The family wishes to thank the staff of Cathedral Gerontology Center, 333 East Ashley Street, for giving her strength to stand alone again and lifting her high so she could see eternity. Your kindness will never be forgotten. We are also truly grateful for the gentle and loving care of the ER and Heart Hospital staff at Baptist Downtown. A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Cathedral, 256 East Church Street, at 10:00 am on Thursday, December 9, 2021, officiated by The Reverend Gerald G. Alexander. She will be laid to rest at a later date with Robert A. Burke, Sr., her beloved husband, in the family plot, Seagate Cemetery, Wilmington, NC. Services will be live streamed on YouTube https://www.jaxcathedral. org/st-johns-live/ In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Blessing in Backpack, as this was one of Doris’ favorite places to volunteer. This charitable program feeds food to insecure children when they are home for the weekend and holidays. Our St. John’s group feeds 100 students at West Riverside Elementary every week. Donations may be sent to St. John’s Cathedral, marked for Blessings in a Backpack, 256 East Church Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Doris would hope that you will do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness in her memory. Condolences can be given to the family online at http://www.cedarbayfuneralhome.com Cedar Bay Funeral Home, 405 New Berlin Road, Jacksonville, Florida

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