Mary Jane Burke

MARY JANE BURKE
Mary Jane Burke of Atlanta, GA, died peacefully in her sleep on November 19, 2013. She was born on December 19, 1926 in Thomasville, GA to Charles and Lillie Mae Dixon. She was one of five children, and was raised on a farm in Thomas County. Her nurturing nature led her to a career in nursing. She graduated from Emory University with a degree in Nursing.
After attending college, she began working in Columbus, GA. Mutual friends introduced her to Jim Burke. After several years of dating, they married in May of 1957. They were married for 55 years, until Jim passed away in Fall of 2012.
Mary Jane and Jim settled in Atlanta and began their family. They had 3 children and 4 grandchildren. Mary Jane was a proud parent and wonderful grandmother. She helped with all the grandbabies and taught the new moms how to care for their new arrivals.
She worked as a public health nurse for DeKalb County Health Department for many years. She attempted to retire in the late 1980's, but found herself missing the work, so quickly returned to part time work at the Health Department for many more years.
Mary Jane loved crafting, gardening, fishing and cooking. She spent many hours with her ceramic group of ladies making platters and Christmas ornaments. Her homemade pickles and artichoke relish was a family favorite. She taught all of her children how to fish, and spent many hours in her brothers yard catching dinner. Her love of cooking was passed on to her children, who enjoy trying to duplicate her recipes.
She is predeceased by her husband James D. Burke and her son James M. Burke. She is survived by her daughter Edie Atkinson and her husband Don Atkinson, her son Edmund Burke and his wife Julie Burke, her grandchildren Chad and Lauren Atkinson and Josh and Zack Burke.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, November 25, 2013 at A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home in Decatur, GA. The family will receive friends and family from 12pm to 2pm, with service following at 2pm in the chapel. A graveside service will follow at Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur, GA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Oak Grove UMC Memorial Fund.


Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033