Bobbie Whittington Burke

Bobbie Whittington Burke, 87, passed away on December 14, 2024, at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, North Carolina, following a prolonged illness. 

Bobbie was born in Wilkes County on July 7, 1937, to Henry Claude and Grace Dyer Whittington. She was the third of four daughters born to her parents, and a strong bond between the four sisters would be a defining part of her entire life.

Bobbie delighted her grandchildren with stories detailing the charming adventures of the four young sisters growing up in a farmhouse in the Blackburn Hollow community of Wilkes County. Among the grandchildren’s favorite stories are tales of how she accidentally set her daddy’s pants on fire or shot at snakes from the bank of the creek.

Bobbie married Billy R. Burke in Wilkes County, where they continued to reside throughout their lives. They had one son named William, in 1964. Together, Bill and Bobbie operated a staple business of the downtown North Wilkesboro Main Street community, Burke’s Jewelry and Pawn Shop, which was owned by the Burke family for over fifty years.

In retirement, Bobbie travelled extensively with her sisters and a core group of treasured friends. In her later years, she loved taking bus tours all over the Southeast. She was known for being an avid and gracious hostess and her home became the social hub for her family and friends. Her home was always decorated to the nines for any holiday, and she threw the best parties. Even as she experienced the challenges of her disease, she prioritized the comfort of those around her.

Bobbie was a devoted wife, sister, mother, mother-in-law, friend, and grandmother. Her four grandchildren were the light of her life. She never tired of sharing pictures or telling stories about them. She organized her life around them, taking them on outings, picking them up from school, taking them to get treats, and doing all she could to make them feel special. They loved spending the night with her; having a one-on-one sleepover with nana was a treasured activity. As they grew older, she continued to support them in every way and was always their most ardent cheerleader. Her granddaughter Catie often told her, “Nana, you’re this family’s favorite person.” And she was.

Bobbie is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, William and Meret Burke of Wilkesboro, her four grandchildren: Maegan Hacking, Lauren Burke, Caitlin Burke, and Sean Burke; and sister Martha “Midge” Adams of Wilkesboro.

In addition to her parents, Bobbie was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Burke, and two older sisters, Claudine Lovette and Audrey Sidden. She was also preceded in death by her honorary sister, Kathryn Yates. 

The family will receive friends and family at Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Bobbie’s name to the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home at 945 Zephyr Road, Dobson, NC 27017.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com   

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