| Sharon Ann "Sherry" Burke, age 44 of Sand Fork, WV passed from this life to Heaven on Friday, November 13, 2009 at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown following a brief illness caused by H1N1/Swine Flu Virus.
Sherry was born in Weston, WV on July 9, 1965 the youngest daughter of Richard and Mildred Marks Burke of Sand Fork. She was a lifelong member of the Sand Fork Baptist Church where her passionate belief of her religion and family shined as bright as her smile.
Sherry obtained her undergraduate degree from Glenville State College and a Masters from WVU. She was a special education teacher in Gilmer County for 18 years serving students in both Troy and Sand Fork Elementary Schools. She taught three years prior in Webster County. Sherry was an active member of the Delta Kappa Gamma where she served in various offices.
She was blessed with many God given talents, gifts and abilities. She wrote her own music and lyrics for many songs, mostly gospel. Writing poetry, plays and children's books was a favorite activity for Sherry.
Throughout the years, Sherry sang and played piano at numerous weddings, funerals, church services and other special occasions such as parades and sporting events. Her most important, largest talent was her ability to daily uplift, encourage and inspire others. If Sherry's life were put into a word that word would be "compassionate." She was selfless and cared deeply for all she knew, especially her students. She was an inspiration to all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, Sherry is survived by one sister, Deana Burke, one nephew D.J. McHenry and one niece Hanna Burke all of Stout's Mills. Also left behind are her two beloved dogs, Shadow and Mindy. She was preceded in death by two nephews Andrew and Matthew McHenry. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
A memorial tribute of Sherry's life will be held at Sand Fork Baptist Church, Sand Fork, WV, on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with Preacher Phil Wilson, Rev. Kenny Fisher and Pastor Bryan Groves officiating.
The family has established a scholarship fund in Sherry's honor. In lieu of flowers, donations to the scholarship fund may be made to: "Sherry Burke Scholarship Fund," PO Box 211, Sand Fork, WV 26430.
Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., Glenville is assisting the family of Sherry Burke with arrangements.
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