Cora Jean Smith Burke

Cora Jean Smith Burke, daughter of the late Bernard and Irene Smith, poured out an immeasurable amount of love and care for a great many people before being called by the Lord on January 10, 2012. Cora was born in Richmond on July 8, 1950. She was the youngest of five children. Cora, known to many as “Jeannie” or “Tiombe” (which was often shortened to “Tee”), grew up in the Church Hill area of Richmond. As a child, Cora formed friendships with some people that have lasted even unto this day. She attended Richmond Public Schools, ultimately graduating from Armstrong High School in 1968. After high school, Cora attended Virginia State University, and received a degree in Elementary Education. She began teaching after college, and later decided to return to school. Cora received her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. Shortly after beginning teaching in 1974, Cora met Ronald Burke. They began dating soon thereafter, and married in 1977. Through this union, they had a son, Karanja. Though they eventually divorced, they remained very good friends until his passing in 2002. Cora began her career in Richmond Public Schools in 1974 and came into her own as a teacher for younger children, spending the majority of her career teaching kindergartner and first graders. She became a Reading Specialist in 1991. During her 36 year career in the school system, Cora touched the lives of countless children and coworkers. The love and dedication Cora held towards her craft and for the children she taught is rarely found these days. In fact, even after retiring in 2010, she continued to work in the Richmond Public Schools system. Cora’s devotion to God, like her devotion to her teaching, family, and her friends, was unwavering and awe-inspiring. She was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, and had been singing in the church’s choir ever since her teens. Cora was the Region 9 representative to the Diocese of Virginia for several years. In addition, she was the Chair of the Gifts and Scholarship committee of the Episcopal Church Women in the Diocese. Cora still made time to be quite the social butterfly. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society, and under the title Duchess Red Velvet, she absolutely loved spending time at their meetings and functions. Cora was preceded in death by her mother and father, as well as her brothers, William Henry Williams, Roosevelt “Sonny Boy” Williams, and Alvin Smith. She leaves to treasure and cherish many memories her son, Karanja Burke; a sister, Barbara Muhammad; five nieces, Riaccas Walker, Anika Gaines, Ola Mallory Gaines, Alvina Bey, and Paula Whalen; two nephews, Norman Gaines, Jr., and Clarence Muhammad, Jr., and a host of great nieces, great nephews, relatives, and friends.

Tributes

Cora Jean Smith Burke

July 8, 1950 - January 10, 2012