Kathleen Hilliard Burke, 97, of Siler City, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at Moses Cone Hospital.
Kathleen was born in Chatham County on October 16, 1924, the daughter of John Gordon and Ethel Dunlap Hilliard. She was a graduate of Bonlee High School. She had many jobs which she loved including Sweater’s USA, A.J. Schneierson, and retiring as a co-manager for Wes Care Senior Center. She was the oldest member of Rives Chapel Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Joy in the Morning Sunday School Class, had previously served as the President of the WMU, and also as the Church Financial Secretary. She loved gardening, tending to her flowers, and cooking a delicious meal. In addition to her parents, Kathleen is preceded in death by her husband, Winfred Burke; sisters, Margaret Phillips, Ruby Fesmire and husband Paul; and brother, Howard Hilliard and wife Rachel.
She is survived by her son, Dennis Burke and wife Bonnie of McLeansville, N.C.; one granddaughter, Tabitha Ekeberg and husband Brian of Winnsboro, Texas; and great-grand dog whom she adored, Annie.
Memorials may be made to Rives Chapel Baptist Church, 4258 Rives Chapel Road, Siler City, N.C. 27344. Dennis and Bonnie would like to thank Dr. James Davis, Dr. Byron Hoffman, Coventry House of Siler City, Clapp’s Nursing Center of Pleasant Garden, and Moses Cone for their wonderful care of his mother.
Kathleen laid in repose on Sunday, May 15, 2022, from 12 to 5 p.m. at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 N. Second Ave., Siler City.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
Smith & Buckner Funeral Home assisted the Burke family.
Online condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com.