Joan “Jo” Traun Burke

Published 10:26 am Monday, June 1, 2020

Joan “Jo” Traun Burke, 85, of Donalsonville, Ga. passed away Wednesday morning, May 27, 2020 at her residence.

The family will hold a private graveside service at Friendship Memorial Gardens on Saturday, May 30, 2020.  They will then hold a drive by visitation from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the cemetery.

Mrs. Burke was born in Arkansas, WI on April 1, 1935 to John Edward Traun and Anna Brunner Traun.  She graduated from Durand High School in WI and became a secretary and bookkeeper.  She met the love of her life when she was working in the Twin Cities and she and Jack were set up on a blind date.  They married and moved south, eventually returning to Donalsonville.  She was an integral part of Burke-Bruner, Inc., from its inception, and contributed largely to its growth and success. Mrs. Burke was an avid golfer, enjoyed Zumba, and loved to fish.  She was always involved in all areas of sports in Seminole County, even keeping the book for Seminole County Baseball for a number of years.  Her family lovingly refers to her as the “Rummy Queen” and a “card shark”.  Mrs. Burke was a member of the Church of the Incarnation of Donalsonville, where she served as the treasurer for years.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Brenda Bowen and husband Bo of Greenville, Al., Barbara Chandler and husband Carlous of Donalsonville, Ga., Becky Worsham and husband Wayne of Donalsonville, Brian Burke and wife Gina of Bainbridge, Ga., and Brad Burke and wife Elizabeth of Panama City, Fl.; her grandchildren, Kris Bowen, Andy Bowen and wife Julie, Matt Bowen and wife Rebecca, Collin Chandler, Connor Chandler and fiancé Sage Lewis, Lindsay Dickerson and husband Ben, Logan Holt and husband Jamie, Sydnee Burke, and Jack Burke; her great grandchildren, Ava Bowen, Sarah Bowen, Anna Bowen, Jake Bowen, Kate Bowen, on the way is Samuel Arthur McNamarra Bowen, Cole Dickerson, Connor Dickerson, and Jackson Wayne Dickerson.  She is also survived by two sisters, Marge and Patty Traun of Siren, WI, a lifelong friend, Pat Bresina of Siren; a niece, Peggy Quimby Weaver and husband Donald Ray of Atmore, Al.; and a nephew, Stan Quimby and wife Pam of Atmore, Al.

Mrs. Burke was preceded in death by her parents, John Edward Traun and Anna Brunner Traun, and her husband, Jack Howard Burke.

The family would like to give special thanks to Karen Rogerson and Mallory Brackin of Integrity Hospice and caregivers, Annie Henderson, Curlie Mae Williams, Cherry Price, and Sandra Hudson.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to Seminole County Warpath on Cancer 200 W. 10th Street Donalsonville, Ga. 39845; Integrity Cares 303 E. Shotwell St. Bainbridge, Ga. 39817; or Church of the Incarnation c/o Judy Young 1251 E. Old Bainbridge Rd. Jakin, Ga. 39861.

Please sign the online guest book at www.evansskipperfh.com.