
Mary "GLADYS" Jones Burke
What do you remember about Mary? Share your stories and photos here, and invite others to come share their memories.
Mary "Gladys" Burke, 92, of Buford, GA claimed her eternal, heavenly home on May 1, 2024.
Born in Duluth, GA on July 17, 1931, daughter of Andrew Alvin Jones and Sarah Lou O'Kelley, Gladys was
the fourth of five children. On January 9th, 1960, Gladys married William Patrick Burke Jr., and this is
when life really began as she would tell it. Gladys and Bill were not only sweethearts but best friends.
Stories of their life together read like an adventure novel filled with pages of precious memories and
much happiness. Up until her last days here on earth, she longed to be with him again and now those
prayers have been answered.
Gladys was devoted to her family who was a source of great pride. She maintained a special bond with
her siblings throughout life where relationships looked more like best friends than brothers and sisters.
For her family as a whole, Gladys was a confidant and a provider who in many ways was more akin to a
mother or grandmother than aunt or great aunt.
Everyone who was blessed to know Gladys would all agree that her defining characteristic was
independence. She not only exemplified a courageous willingness and ability to chart her own course
but would boldly exclaim how she did it. Gladys was never shy about expressing an opinion and was
always quick to let you know where she stood on any subject, whether asked or not. She was brutally
honest, fiercely independent, always generous, and forever loving.
Gladys was preceded in death by her husband of twenty-eight years, William "Bill" Burke Jr., sisters
Jeanette Welch, Jewell Haynie, and JoAnne Kimbro, brother Alton Jones, nephew Bobby Welch, and
great nephew Bob Welch.
She is survived by nephews Larry (Judy) Welch of Smyrna, David (Beth) Kimbro of Buford, niece Andrea
(Jeff) Banks of Dawsonville, Jackie Welch of Buford, several great nieces and nephews, and several great-
great nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at Bill Head Funeral Home in Duluth on May 9, 2024 from 10 am to 11 am. A 12 pm graveside service will be held at White Chapel Memorial Gardens on Pleasant Hill Road.
Bill Head Funeral Homes & Crematory Duluth Chapel (770)476-2535.
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