Katie Mae (Reels) Burke

With loving remembrance, we honor the life of Katie Burke, a woman whose warmth, strength, and nurturing spirit touched everyone blessed to know her.

Katie Burke was born on August 8, 1948. She lived a life rooted in love, family, and service to others. After completing her education, Katie began a career that perfectly reflected her heart serving others through food. She worked as a dedicated head cook in several restaurants, where she poured love into every meal she prepared. For Katie, cooking was never just a job; it was her calling. Feeding others brought her joy, and her kitchen became a place of comfort, laughter, and togetherness.

She was especially known for her soul food dishes, rich with flavor and tradition, and made with a love you could taste in every bite. Her Red Velvet Cake and Italian Cream Cheese Cake were cherished favorites, as they were requested often and remembered always. These dishes became part of her legacy.  Sweet, little reminders of the care she gave so freely.

On April 16, 1984, Katie married the love of her life, Lester F. Burke. From this union, three children were born: Renotta, Taquilla, and Joshua.

Katie leaves to cherish her memory her seven children: Linda Walton (Redell) of Bainbridge, GA; Keisha Warren (Willie) of Bainbridge, GA; ; Renotta Burke (Lawrence) of Bainbridge, GA; Taquilla Burke-Brown (Jamaal) of Bainbridge, GA; and Joshua Burke(Danyeal) of Bainbridge, GA ; Larry Jackson (Vernell) of Savannah, GA; Veronica Burke of Bainbridge, GA.

She was a proud grandmother to 14 grandchildren: LaKatie “Ciera” Walton (Bradley), who carries her name so beautifully; Christian Walton; Redell “Pudgy” Walton III (Kiani);  Terrrance Warren; Tevin Warren; Jade Bullard; Carlos Bullard, Jr.; Jordan Brown; Journee Brown; Jayse Brown; Zion Burke; Trey Monteiro; Jasmine Jackson;Jatavia Burke; Jessica Hayes.  She also leaves behind 8 great-grandchildren: Darius “Pooh” Hamilton; Keylon Harrell; Bradley Scott Jr.; Kyndall Walton; Kamia Walton; Kristina Walton; Xemi; and Xaiden.

Katie is also survived by two sisters: Ruth Reels of Havelock, NC, and Gladys Solomon (Alvin) of Boynton Beach, FL; and two brothers: Quentin Martin of Alabama, and Benjamin Reels of Havelock, NC; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Lester F. Burke; her parents, Ida and Wesley Reels; four brothers, Larry Reels, John Reels, Freddie Lee Reels, and Author Lee Reels; and one sister, Catherine Mims.

More than anything, Katie will be remembered for her generous heart, her nurturing spirit, and the way she made everyone feel like family. Her love lives on in the memories shared, the meals recreated, and the lives she touched so deeply.

She will be dearly missed and forever loved.

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