Myra Stanley Burke, a cherished matriarch and beacon of love and laughter, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2023, in her hometown of Grand Ridge, FL, where she was also born on July 18, 1946. Myra’s life was a testament to the enduring strength of familial bonds and the joy that can be found in life’s simple pleasures.
Myra was the beloved daughter of the late Charles Ryals Stanley and Myra Dudley Stanley. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Charles A. Burke, with whom she shared many loving years; her brother, Marion H. Stanley; her sisters, Rubena S. Smith and Wanda Baxley. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her daughter, Benet Johnson and her husband Jeff; her sons, Charles A. Burke, Jr. and his wife Lisa, and Jon Pelt and his wife Shanna; her sisters, Betty Boutwell, Rose El Bryant, and Catherin Gilley; her brother, Joe Stanley; her adored eight grandchildren, Jeffrey Johnson, Charles A. Burke, III (Connie), Marissa Burke (Blake), Cydney Johnson, Brandon Johnson (Brandy), Mason Johnson (Josi), Josephine Pelt, and Kiara Utley; her ten great-grandchildren, Aaron Burke, Sean Burke, Adrianna Burke, Hayley Johnson, Alana Johnson, Cody Smith, Jr., Lilah Smith, Cameron Hansford, Natalie Parks and Tristen Edwards (Katherine); and one great-great-grandchild, Amelia Burke. Myra also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss her deeply.
A proud 1964 graduate of Grand Ridge High School, Myra was a lifelong resident of Jackson County. She began her career at Florida State Hospital, dedicating nearly four decades of service to the State of Florida. Starting as a UTRS, she retired in 2005 as a UTRS Supervisor, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and compassion that touched the lives of many.
Myra’s interests were a reflection of her loving and funny nature. She found joy in reading, working on crossword and sudoku puzzles, and was an avid fan of “Gunsmoke,” as well as programming on the Hallmark and ID channels. Her sense of humor was as timeless as the classic shows she enjoyed. Myra’s love was evident in the way she played with her grandchildren and her dogs, Riley, Harley, and Petey, with a zest for life that was infectious. Her green thumb brought beauty to the world through her well-tended rose garden and vibrant hibiscus plants.
Those who knew Myra would describe her as loving, funny, and courageous. She faced life’s challenges with a smile and always found a way to make others laugh. Her courage was not the loud and boisterous kind, but the quiet, enduring strength that carries families through the toughest of times.
In the words of Helen Keller, “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” Myra’s love and laughter have indeed become a part of all who knew her, and her memory will continue to inspire and guide her family and friends.
Myra Stanley Burke’s life was a beautiful tapestry of love, laughter, and service. As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we celebrate the joy she brought to all of us.
A funeral service for Myra will be held in the chapel of McAlpin Funeral Home in Sneads, FL on Thursday, December 7, 2023, beginning at 2:00 PM Central Time. Myra’s family will receive friends for visitation one hour prior to the funeral service.
Condolences may be submitted at www.mcalpinfuneralhome.com
