Theresa Burke Obituary

Burke, Theresa Irene

Theresa (Tea) Irene Burke, 74, of Chicago, died suddenly on Friday, June 14, 2024.

She was born on September 6, 1949, to John H. and Alice B. Burke, the youngest daughter of eleven brothers and sisters. Raised in a Christian home, she confessed her hope in Christ as an adult. In that same home, she learned the value of hard work and independence and carried those lessons into her adult life. Her work ethic and honesty made her a trusted employee and beloved friend.

A proud Chicago resident, she graduated from Harrison Technical High School and was a former United States Postal Service employee.

Theresa was a generous and valued member of her West Englewood community. Owing to her generosity, she fed the underprivileged and homeless and acted as a neighborhood mother to many young people. She freely shared her gifts for cooking and gardening. She enjoyed reading, vintage movies and television shows, good food and drinks, comfy couches, and nature.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by her siblings, Randolph "Randy" Burke, Delores S. Beals (Dosie Beals), Willie "Mane" Brown, Jr., Baby" John H. Brown, Jewel Brown, Geraldine "Mickey" Brown, and Dorothy Ann Brown.

Theresa is survived by her twin, John C. "Jerry" Burke, Jr., her youngest brother, Lamont Burke, and her elder sister, Janie B. Haggins.

Theresa was an outstanding mother who was deeply committed to the health and well-being of her children and grandchildren.

She will be mourned and remembered by her children, Earl Preston Burke (Shaquita), Johnica Burke-Smith (Aaron), and Shannon R. Burke, and missed deeply by her grandchildren, Tamarr, Ayanna, Mikayla, Brandon, Iniko, and Adira. She will also be remembered by a great many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held at Leak & Son's Funeral Home.

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