Gwendolyn Irene Burke

Gwendolyn Irene Burke, daughter of the late Frederick and Ruby Pride, was born on January 16,1927 in Baltimore, Maryland. She was called home to God on July 23, 2002, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Gwen was educated in the Baltimore City Public Schools and graduated from Frederick Douglas High School in 1945.After graduating from high school Gwen attended the Cortez Peters Business School where she majored in Business Correspondence. She was one of Baltimore’s first school crossing guards, at School #198. In 1957, she began her 25-year career at the Social Security Administration and HCFA. During her career Gwen was elevated 11 Grades. On December 3, 1944 Gwen married the late William Albert Burke and out of this union six children, Jacqueline P. Gundy, William A. (Skip) Burke, Anthony Burke (deceased), Gary L. Burke, Sharon D. Thames and Kathy A. Burke were born.Having been born into a Christian family, Gwen baptized into the fellowship of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Waverly. She eventually moved her membership to Faith Baptist Church where she was a member of the choir and the Scholarship Committee. She was an active member of Faith Baptist until her illness. In addition to her five surviving children, Gwen is survived by two loving sisters, Marie Geter and Doris Dorsey, and one loving brother, Frederick Pride Jr.; ten grandchildren, Patrice A. Robinson, William A. Burke III, Brandon L. Burke, Christopher J. Burke, Jonathan D. Burke, Amanda J. Burke, Alexandra R. Thames, Rachel N. Burke, Steven M. Thames Jr., and Remington S. Thames; two great grandchildren, Taylor P. Robinson and Kennedy L. Robinson; two brother-in-laws; Gordon Williams and Joseph Dorsey; three sister-in-laws; Julia Williams, Alice Williams and Florence Pride; two devoted son-in-laws; Carlyle Gundy and Steven M. Thames Sr.; one grandson-in-law; Orlando Robinson; a close cousin Margaret Holland; many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Gwen loved life and enjoyed giving advice to others. She also enjoyed shopping and traveling with her daughters, and playing pinochle. She was a member of the Casualettes, a social club which rendered services to the community. Gwen was a proud and dignified woman who exemplified tremendous strength until her passing. She raised her children to have strong family values and to love life. She also inspired them to be independent thinkers and to always strive for success. These same values are now being bestowed upon her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She would be so deeply moved by the great outpouring of love and affection in the church today.A Mother GoneGone is a mother loved by all,Her soul is now at rest.She’ll sleep in peace, her work is done.A mother’s work—the best.She’ll know the joy of perfect restIn heaven up above,Where she may dwell contentedlyProtected by God’s love.Our hearts may grieve that she must lieBeneath the sacred sod,And yet we know she lives in peaceWithin the house of God

Tributes

Gwendolyn Irene Burke

January 16, 1927 - July 23, 2002