SALLY SWANK BURKE, 96, a resident of West St. Louis County, died on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis.

She was born September 15, 1924 in Charleston to Clyde E. and Mary Wilkinson Swank. She spent her childhood in Florida, completed her nurses training in New Orleans, LA and then rejoined her parents in Missouri in 1946.  On July 12, 1949 she married Jackson Louis Burke Sr. who preceded her in death on April 14, 1988.

Sally was very active in the Charleston community. As a member of the United Methodist Church, she sang in the Chancel Choir, was a member of United Methodist Women, taught Sunday School, and served on various church boards. She also maintained active membership in civic affairs through the Katherine Boone Music Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, Junior Study Club, Mississippi County American Red Cross, Mississippi County Historical Society, Missouri Delta Medical Center Ladies Auxiliary, Visiting Nurses Association Board, Charleston Nutrition Center volunteer, and was an avid fan of Charleston High School Blue Jay Basketball.

In the late 1960's, she was instrumental in instituting the School Nurse program in the Charleston R-1 School District and then served as a School Nurse until her retirement.

In August 2014 she moved to "The Fountains" in West St. Louis County where she enjoyed the many provided activities.

While Sally was active in her community, her family remained her first priority.

Surviving are two children, Jackson Louis (Ginger) Burke of Lake St. Louis, and Mary Lee (Paul) Vivian of Manchester; four grandchildren, David (Jennifer) Hillyard, Ryan (Ryan Vacca) Burke, Karl (Jayme) Vivian and Tim (Laura) Vivian; and nine great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her one sister, Marianna Harrison.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at the United Methodist Church in Charleston from 11:30 a.m. until the Funeral Hour at 1:00 p.m.  Rev. J. Robert Webster, pastor, will officiate.

Interment will follow in the IOOF Cemetery under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be David Hillyard, Ryan Burke, Karl Vivian, Tim Vivian, Richard Logan, Tom Brown and Dale Glenn.

Memorial Contributions may be made to:

United Methodist Church, PO Box 351, Charleston, MO 63834                                                                          V.N.A., 1124 Independence Ave, Kennett, MO  63857                                                                        Mississippi County Historical Society, PO Box 312, Charleston, MO  63834