Tribute & Message From The Family
Johnnie Nell Burke, who preferred to be called Nell, was born April 8, 1931 in Carbon Hill, Alabama, the oldest daughter of Johnny C and Mary Ethel Estes. She went to be with the Lord on February 18, 2012.
Nell is survived by her husband Don Burke; sons David Burke and Shawn Burke both of Austin, Texas; sister Betty Ann Dolby of Bessemer, Alabama; and brother James Thomas Estes of Poplarville, Mississippi. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Charles Ray Estes, Johnny C. Estes Jr., Bobby E. Estes, William (Billy) Joe Estes; and sister Frances Rebecca Doonan.
Nell was a graduate of Alabama's Fayette County High School and moved to Selma, Alabama where her father was a Conductor for the Southern Railroad. It was in Selma that she met and married her husband on October 3, 1958 who was stationed at Craig AFB. She then became a military wife for the next twenty four years. Nell worked part time in the day care centers at Fairview Baptist Church and Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She also worked part time in the Records Management Department at Austin Community College from 1989 until she retired in 2005.
Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 S. Congress Ave. Funeral services will be at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22nd in the Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel. Burial will be 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 23rd at Prairie Hill Cemetery, Prairie Hill, Texas.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Faith Baptist Church in Austin, Texas where Johnnie "Nell" was an active member.
Condolence & Memory Journal
Dear Don,
I am so very very sorry, we did not know about your precious Nell or we would have been there for you. You and Nell have been such a source of constant inspiration to Robbie and faithfully dedicated to his cause and our family for so long. It pains me that I wasn't there for you during her passing. God Bless you and call me as soon as you get a chance.
Julie
Posted by
Julie Lyerla - austin, TX - friend March 01, 2012
Uncle Don, David and Shawn,
Aunt Nell was a very special person in my life as well as our family. Her warm smile and kind heart will be missed. We always knew that could come to your home and feel welcome. I have wonderful memories of her that will always be close to my heart. May your memories and knowing that she is in the kindom of heaven give you comfort and peace. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all! Celina
Posted by
Celina Fuller - Waco, TX - Aunt February 23, 2012
Uncle Don, our prayers are with you David and Shawn. Aunt Nell was one of the sweetest ladies ever. God Bless and comfort you all.
Love you,
Dallas,Veronica,Maddy and Emily Burke
Posted by
Dallas Burke - Irving, TX - Nephew February 22, 2012
Don,
Don, Shawn and David
Nell was more than a sister-in-law, she was more of our sister and we are going to miss her. We are here for you.
Posted by
Marilynn & don Sustala - Waco, TX - Family February 22, 2012
Uncle Don,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you for your loss. We know that she is in a much better place now. But ya'll have been together so long I know it will be really hard for you. I have such fond memories of us all at Mama Maw's house.
They were always such good times.
Love You,
Dianna, Karrie & Brett
Posted by
Dianna Burke Butler - Waco, TX - Niece February 22, 2012
Don and family, our heart goes out to your loss. We didn't get to spend as much time with your family as we probably should have but you were getting close to retirement when we showed up as a new Chief and family at Bergstrom.
The times we visited were memorable and we feel honored to have known Nell and Don over the years. Our door in Temple is always open should you decide to stop by on your way to the Waco area.
Posted by
Jim and Dorothy Granfor - Temple, TX - Retired Chief February 21, 2012
Nell, You were a great lady, and Russell and I are proud to have known and experienced memorable gatherings with you, Don, and the boys when we were stationed at Bergstrom AFB. Keeping in touch all these years say much for our knowing each others families. You will be missed dearly by all who knew you. We shall cherish memories and continue to share times with your loved ones. Thanks for being our friend.
Mary and Russell Raines
Clinton, North Carolina
Posted by
Mary E. Raines - Clinton, NC - Friend (s) February 21, 2012
We send you and the boys our deapest sympathy. She was a Great lady.and we will allways remember the great times together..
Posted by
Guy nAnd Ruth Faire - Newman Lake , WA - Friend February 21, 2012
Aunt Nell was such a great part of my life, I am so lucky to have such wonderful memories of her as well as my husband and children do. She always welcomed anyone to her home with open arms with her freshly brewed ice tea, delicious meals and great conversations filled with many laughs. She will always remain in our hearts. We are so blessed to of had her in our lives.
Posted by
Jill Reed & family - Pleasanton, TX - Niece February 21, 2012
Don,
You and David and Shawn have my deepest sympathy in the loss of Nell.
I remember meeting you and Nell at your mom's home, I think it was about 52 years ago. She was such a pretty, sweet young woman. I remember her looking just as she looks in the picture posted on line.
I pray for God's comfort to you and your family during this difficult time.
Patti
Posted by
Patti Hanft Hankey - Denton, TX - SIster-in-law's sister February 21, 2012
Uncle Don,you are in our prayers.Aunt Nell was a beautiful women and a real lady,she had such a sweet smile and personality.She will be so missed.We love you. Tonya,April,Sommer and Ashlyn Jobe
Posted by
Tonya Burke - Duncan, OK - Aunt February 20, 2012
