Dr. May Edwin Burke

Dr. May Edwin Burke (nee Mann), affectionately known by friends and family as Edwin, was born on June 22, 1925 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She was the third of four loving sisters born to the late James and Lillie Mann. On Sunday, February 25, 2018, at her residence in Owings Mills, MD, she departed her earthly life peacefully, and surrounded by family, after suffering from a brief illness. Growing up, Edwin attended Reconciliation Presbyterian Church in downtown Chattanooga, along with her sisters. She received her primary and secondary education in Chattanooga, graduating in 1942 from Howard High School. A southern belle since her birth, she studied piano, and was an accomplished musician. In key with her mantra that “a woman should be prepared to work, even if she does not have to,” she continued her academic studies, attending Hampton Institute in Hampton, Virginia where she majored in Home Economics, and was a member of the Phyllis Wheatley Club. She graduated from Hampton in 1946, and following graduation, she moved to Annapolis, Maryland where she lived with her older sister, the late Emily Johnson Buford. Edwin and Emily worked together at the local pharmacy, owned by their father, and established to help black patients obtain medicine and medical supplies locally, rather than travel long distances to find other shops that were willing to serve African-Americans. In 1947, Edwin pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and became a member of the Delta Pi Omega chapter in Annapolis, Maryland. After serving some years, she became the chapter president. Always close to her heart, Edwin served Alpha Kappa Alpha well for over 50 years, and lived a life of service to all mankind. She was an involved resident of the historically black community, Arundel on the Bay, where she hosted memorable affairs with her sisters at their home, enjoying time with family, friends and neighbors. She also relished time crabbing and fishing on the Chesapeake Bay, and was the proud owner of a skiff, called the Emma Giles. During this time in her life, Edwin frequented Carr’s Beach, and took regular trips to Pennsylvania Avenue in Baltimore City to hear renown jazz musicians perform at the Sphinxman Club, and to take in acts at the Comedy Club. In 1960 she was introduced to Allen “Dickie” Burke, a former collegiate athlete, and a detective in the Baltimore City Police Force. Dickie was visiting Arundel on the Bay, to attend a party hosted by mutual friends. Friends recall that instantly he knew he would marry Edwin, and he carried a marriage certificate in his pocket for 6 months, while they were courting. Dickie and Edwin were married in April 1960 in a civil ceremony in Baltimore, MD and remained married for 32 years until Dickie’s death. Throughout their marriage she joined him in community service work for Operation Champ, a police athletic league in Baltimore City, founded by Dickie, with Edwin’s loving assistance. The wedded couple lived together on White Chapel Road, in the Ashburton neighborhood of Baltimore where Edwin continued to reside for a total of 47 years. During their marriage, the couple enjoyed attending social events hosted by Dickie’s fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. For many years Edwin chaired the committee which planned the annual Alpha Wives Gala. To this union, one daughter was born, Melanie Malone Burke, affectionately called Lonie, a nickname bestowed upon her by Edwin’s older sister, Emily. Edwin was a loving and devoted mother to Melanie and her stepson, Allen Burke, Jr. Together with her sisters, Emily and Eva James, Edwin also raised her great niece, Riki Spence of Chattanooga, TN. The family attended Trinity Presbyterian Church, where Edwin served as an Elder, Deacon, Trustee, and Sunday School teacher. She was known to captivate young children on the piano when she played hymns. She was an integral part of the Presbyterian Women’s ministry for many years, and along with membership in her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha, Edwin was a member of many other social and civic organizations in the City of Baltimore, including Jack and Jill of America, Inc. An avid card player, she was a founding member of the bridge club known as Les Filles de Mercredi which met regularly for lively dinners, fellowship and competitive matches for more than 50 years. Edwin and Dickie were members of up to three bridge clubs at one time. Professionally, Edwin was a life-long educator and expert in Home Economics. She received her Master’s Degree in Early Education at Howard University under Dr. Flemmie P. Kittrell, and a PhD from the University of Maryland, where she defended her dissertation on early childhood education. Her pursuit for excellence in education earned her membership in Phi Betta Kappa Honor Society. Edwin taught at the Bates Jr. High School in Annapolis, and later at Woodbourne Jr. High School in Baltimore City. She served as the Chair of the Home Economics Department at Garrison Junior High School, Calverton Junior High School, Northern Parkway Junior High School and Lake Clifton High School. She was also a licensed florist, known throughout Baltimore for her beautiful floral arrangements which graced many tables including countless events and activities hosted by the Epsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She provided elegant arrangements each year for the chapter’s Founder’s Day luncheon; and fundraising gala banquet. Edwin was also an active member of the gardening club and flower guild known as For-Winn-Ash, which included members from the Forest Park, Windsor Mill, and Ashburton neighborhoods. In addition to her parents, husband, stepson, and beloved nephew Theodore Johnson, Jr., she was preceded in death by her sisters the late Mary Kate Palmore, the late Emily Johnson Buford, the late Eva James Franklin; and three of her brothers in-law. Edwin is survived by her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Melanie Burke Delaney, DDS, and James Delaney, DDS, her loving granddaughter, Dylan Malone Delaney, and her step-grandson, Tyler Delaney. She also leaves to mourn, her brother-in-law, John Franklin of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tributes

Dr. May Edwin Burke

June 19, 1925 - February 25, 2018