JESSIE BURKE BROWN, age 89, died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at St. Thomas Hospital Hospice Unit in Nashville, TN. A lifelong resident of Charleston, she had resided at Belmont Village Assisted Living Center in Nashville for the past four years.

Born on June 24, 1920, she was the seventh of ten children born to the late Emmett and Lena Burks Burke. Jessie was a member of the United Methodist Church and spent her life involved with family and friends. Playing bridge was her favorite pastime and she had achieved the rank of Life Master in duplicate bridge. Later in life she enjoyed traveling to many parts of the world.

On August 1, 1945 she married Thomas J. Brown Jr. who preceded her in death on March 20, 1976.

She is survived by her daughter Susan and son in law Scott Spinka of Pittsboro, NC, and their daughters Amanda, Laura, and Erin; her son Tom Brown III of Jefferson City and his children, Kate, John, Matthew, and Madeline; and her daughter Dr. Sarah Ayler of Nashville, TN and her son Jack; two sisters, Sally Winchester of Charleston and Patricia Brock of Columbia; one brother, John Burke of Charleston; also many loved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Edmund Burke, Dick Burke, and Robert Burke; three sisters, Martha Jackson, Louretta Giltz, and Jeanne Logan; and one nephew, John Burke, Jr.

Family and friends are invited to gather at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 28, 2010 at the Charleston United Methodist Church to share memories of Jessie's life. A memorial service to celebrate her life will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Dan Faust, Pastor, officiating.

A private interment service will be held at a later date in the IOOF Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to:
Alive Hospice
4220 Harding Road
Wing 3B
Nashville, TN 37205.

Services are under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home.