Louise Burke, also known as "Lou", passed away peacefully on January 7, 2025, at the age of 98.
She was born on February 17, 1926, to William and Agnes Latham and was the youngest of their five children. Louise has now been reunited with her parents and siblings; Bill, Agnes, Carolyn, and Sarah.
She is preceded in death by her daughter, Barbara Burke Davis; her son, Melvin Michael Burke; and her granddaughter, Kenan Colbert Koll.
She worked at Burlington Industries in Wake Forest, the Wake Finishing Plant, where she worked in various departments. The Computer Operations Department was where she shined the brightest. Louise had a gifted mind for technology. Her family and friends were always impressed with her ability to communicate through email and text messages on her iPhone, even at age 98.
Louise leaves behind 3 children, 15 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, 10 great, great grandchildren.
She leaves behind daughters: Reba Burke Fitzgerald (Donnie) of Fairfield, Virginia; Sue Burke Colbert (Kenny) of Cornelius, North Carolina; and Jane Burke Hagwood (Dean) of Louisburg, North Carolina; and daughter-in-law: Lynn Ray Burke.
Grandchildren: Todd Davis (Karen), Kirk Davis (Danielle), Ben Davis (Christina), Anthony Fitzgerald (Carol), Candace Camden, Karen Clemmer (Bobby), Sharon Leake (Daren), Brian Fitzgerald (Leslie), Scott Fitzgerald (Lindsey), Monica Logan (Justin), Pete Colbert, Kristy Wiles (Danny), Josh Burke (Alyssa), Jill Pollock (Tyler), and Michelle Hagwood (fiancé Hunter).
The Family wishes to express their gratitude to Wake Med and Transitions Hospice Care for the exceptional nursing care Louise received from both facilities. It takes a special group of people to provide the thoughtful skilled care and comfort she received.
A special thanks to Hillside Nursing Center and to the numerous doctors, nurses, CNAs, and nurse's aides and friends who embraced our Mama.
Louise's long life was made the happiest, most content, and comfortable through the daily attention from her daughter, Jane Hagwood. In fact, Jane's entire family, husband Dean, and daughters Jill and Michelle, gave unselfishly to care for Louise. Louise's son, Mike, was a wonderful caregiver, as well, and now they are together once more.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025, in the funeral home chapel with Rev. David Averette officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview cemetery in Franklinton, NC. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1-2 p.m. at Bright Funeral Home, 405 S. Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Sue Colbert/Kenan Colbert Koll Scholarship fund in care of Bright Funeral Home, 405 S Main St., Wake Forest, NC 27587.
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