Burke, Susie H.

Longtime Chattanooga School Teacher And Deeply Committed To Volunteer Work

  • Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Susie H. Burke
Susie H. Burke

Susie H. Burke, 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at her residence in Chattanooga.

Born on January 16, 1934, in Uniontown, Al., Susie was the cherished daughter of Mr. AJ Hamler and Mrs. Daisy Lee Hamler.

Susie was a1957 graduate of Tennessee State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree, certified in elementary education, general science, and vocational home economics. Her dedication to education was evident through her 31 years of service with the Chattanooga Public School System, where she taught at Calvin Donaldson, James A. Henry, and Orchard Knob Elementary Schools from 1957 to 1988.

Beyond her professional career, Susie was deeply committed to volunteer work, providing services and transportation for the elderly, homebound, and handicapped individuals. She was an active member of two senior bowling leagues and held a life membership with the Tennessee State University National Alumni Association, serving as president of the Chattanooga Chapter. Additionally, Susie was a member of the Retired Teachers Association of NEA and TEA. She was voted Who’s Who in Outstanding Elementary Teachers of America in 1973.

Susie's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted member of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Chattanooga, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, president of the Nurses Guild, and financial secretary for the Hamilton County Baptist Missionary and Education Association. Her love for pitching horseshoes and tending to her flowers brought her joy and fulfillment.

Susie was preceded in death by her parents, AJ and Daisy Hamler; her husband, John Burke; her son, Kenneth H Burke; and her brothers, AJ Hamler Jr., Clarence E Hamler, and David Hamler.

She leaves behind precious memories with her granddaughter, Marresa Burke of Louisville, KY; her grandson, Kenneth Burke II of Miami, FL; her great-granddaughter, Peyton Burke of Miami, FL; her daughter-in-law, Marvis Burke of Chattanooga; and her two sisters, Patsy Weston of Cleveland, OH, and Doris Durrett of North Carolina; special friends, Jean Jones and Sabrina Harris; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Public viewing will be held on Thursday, May 8, from 2-6 p.m. at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.

A funeral service will take place at noon on Friday, May 9, at Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church, located at 4100 Highland Ave. Interment will be at Chattanooga National Cemetery at 2 p.m.

May Susie H. Burke's legacy of love, service, and dedication continue to inspire all who knew her.

Arrangements are entrusted to John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.

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