Bessie Mae Burke

Bessie M. Burke, 93, of Jonesboro, died peacefully at 5:10 p.m. on June 30, 2011, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.

Bessie was born near Evening Shade, AR, on October 9, 1917, one of ten children of Joe and Betty Taylor. The family moved to Ash Flat where Bessie was graduated from high school and where she met and married Mack Burke. They had three children. After completing a cosmetology certificate in Jonesboro, Bessie opened a beauty shop in Ash Flat. In 1948, the family moved to Jonesboro where Bessie taught in the cosmetology school.

Eventually, she opened her own beauty shop and operated that home-based business for more than 30 years.

Bessie and the family were active in the First Baptist Church, Jonesboro; and Bessie worked in the WMU, taught Sunday school and Youth Church Training, and supported the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. She helped form both the Home Link ministry for home-bound persons and a widows' support group. In retirement, she worked in the church Care Center and volunteered in the St. Bernard's Auxiliary. She also volunteered with the ASU International Students program, inviting students into her home for meals and for practice in conversational English. Bessie was a reader and a student of the Bible.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mack; her daughter, Maxine; and her son, David. She is survived by her son, Doyle Winfred "Windy" Burke (Beckie) of Tempe, AZ; two grandchildren, David (Susie Schwartz) and Erin (Glen Hawkinson); two great grandchildren, Emily and Caitlin Hawkinson; as well as one sister-in-law, Louise Burke, and several nieces and nephews. Bessie was a devoted wife and mother, and she and Mack were devoted to helping people in need.

The interment will occur on Saturday, July 16, at 10:00 a.m., at the Wiles Cemetery near Ash Flat. A memorial service will occur on Sunday, July 17, at the First Baptist Church, Jonesboro, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Care Center, 701 S. Main St., Jonesboro, AR 72401.