Barbara Burke

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that my mother Barbara Jean Allen Burke has gone to be with her beloved husband, Arthur Joseph Burke, Sr. in the great kingdom of heaven.

Barbara and Art were married on November 1, 1957. Patrick was their first born, February 27, 1960, both he and Barbara worked hard to provide for the family. In 1967 they moved from their home in Nashville to Hendersonville and shortly thereafter Arthur Jr (Jody) was born April 8, 1968.

We were blessed to have mom for 91 years and mom really wanted to be here for another year or two. She wanted to be with her babies Patrick Allen Burke and Arthur Joseph Burke Jr, but after a brief hospital stay, she was diagnosed with cancer basically all over her body. Her worldly body would not allow her to be here any longer. In 2014, after gallbladder surgery, a mass was found on her pancreas and after seeing a doctor, she was told that she had 3 to 6 months to live.  Well, here she is some 10 years later, and she has had a very full lifetime of joy, happiness, sorrow and some pain. In the eyes of the lord, she had a wonderful life! Mom enjoyed many things in her life painting, crafting, drawing, spending time with the family and her neighbors and the people who made her smile! Barbara and Art saw a lot in their lives and visited many places, but she loved her home and family.

Mom’s last days were spent here in her home surrounded by the family and loved ones that adored her and loved her without question! Mom was never in any terrible pain that usually accompanies cancer because she was never treated with anything to prolong her life. She was granted these years by the grace of God and to that end we as a family are so grateful, thankful, and blessed to have had such a wonderful woman and the best mother we could have ever had. Her nieces and nephews loved her on both sides of the family, and they all conveyed their gratitude for having their beloved Aunt Barbara!

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents Shepard and Mattie (Jordan) Allen, her husband Arthur Joseph Burke, Sr., brothers Dillard Allen, Jimmy Allen, and Tommy Allen. 

 She is survived by her sons Patrick (Robin) Burke and Jody (Lisa) Burke; grandsons Cody Burke, T.J. (Jessica) White, and Greg Forbes; great-grandchildren Sabrina Burke, and Hailey Forbes; and sister Carolyn McClain.  In addition, she is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, from 10am-12pm at Hendersonville Funeral Home.  The funeral service will begin at 12pm in the Chapel at the funeral home burial to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Nashville.