Born on April 17, 1923, in Polk County, Texas, to H.A. and Minnie D. McIlvain, she was one of nine children.
She married Ben K. Burke in Nacogdoches on June 21, 1942, at Fredonia Hill Baptist Church. He preceded her in death along
with her parents; a son, Michael L. Burke; and son-in-law, Dwane B. Stockton.
Surviving sisters are Rebecca Terry of Nacogdoches and Maedell Johnson of Pasadena; and a brother, Andy McIlvain of Oklahoma.
Surviving children are Kenneth G. Burke, Nedra S. Pebsworth and husband David, and Debra K. Stockton, all of Nacogdoches.
Surviving grandchildren are Donald W. Barlow Jr. and wife Jeri, Kristi Barlow Spencer and husband Rodney, all of Nacogdoches; Shea Stockton Nutt and husband Weldon of Canton, and Greg Stockton of Dallas. She had nine very special great-grandchildren, Courtney Barlow Leeder, Clayton Barlow, Cody Barlow, Kelcie Spencer McDonald, Cole Spencer, and Hayden Spencer, all of Nacogdoches, Jacob Nutt of Canton, and Alexis Stockton and Riley Stockton of Dallas. She had several nieces and nephews
She worked at NHS snack bar on Mound St. in the 1960's and was a sitter for the elderly for many years. Her hobbies were reading and watching TV game shows.
She was "Maw-Maw" to everyone who knew her with lots of love to share to many people and to her dogs.
Funeral services are set for 2:30 p.m. Monday, January 7, 2013, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel, 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches, with Bro. Stan King and Bro. David Coleman officiating. Interment will follow at Old North Church Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers are her great-grandsons Clayton Barlow, Cody Barlow, Cole Spencer, Hayden Spencer, Jacob Nutt, and
Riley Stockton.
Pallbearers are Donald W. Barlow Jr., Rodney Spencer, Weldon Nutt, Greg Stockton, J.R. Johnson, Cory Leeder, David Stone,
and Ken Jones.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a memorial fund in the name of Thelma Burke at Doches Credit Union, 920 NW Stallings Dr., Nacogdoches TX 75964.
Visitation will be held Sunday, January 6, 2013, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Cason Monk-Metcalf.
Services are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, located at 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches. Online memories and condolences may be offered at www.CasonMonk-Metcalf.com.
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