Burke - Mary Jane Reynolds
Mary Jane "JENNIE" REYNOLDS BURKE
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal, 24 March 1909
Mary Jane, daughter or Bony and Malinda Reynolds, was born October 21, 1853; departed this life March 19, 1909, at her home, one mile north of Brown's Valley, aged 55 years, 4 months and 19 days. She was united in marriage to Mr. Abe Burk Dec 12, 1880. To this union were born no children. She has been a consistent member of Freedom Baptist church for the past 36 years, and always attended services when her health would permit. She possessed a kind, quiet and unassuming nature and was held in high esteem by all who knew her. Mrs. Burk, who had not been strong physically for some time, was stricken with paralysis last May, which affected her right side, arm and speech. The use of those parts was never restored to her while she lived. While looking on her pitiful condition, it seemed to me there would be but very few who could endure such awful affliction with such true Christian patience as she, and although being deprived of her speech she left clear evidence that all was well with her soul and that she was waiting, only waiting, for that welcome summons from him who in the twinkling of an eye can change a life of misery and affliction into that of joy, peace and happiness. We would say to the lonely husband who was seldom absent from her bedside either day or night for almost a year, that it should be a consoling t thought to realize that he did all in his power to administer with patience and untiring efforts to her every want, and that God doeth all things well. Her funeral was conducted on Sunday p.m. at 2 o'clock at Freedom church, Rev S. K. Fuson officiating in his usual impressive manner and the friends should find great comfort in his beautiful prayer and the reading of the fifteenth chapter of First Corinthians in which it is said “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death, but thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Those left to mourn the loss of their loved ones are a devoted husband, a loving and aged mother, two dear brothers, and many loving friends, one brother, sister and father having preceded her to glory. Mr. Burk wishes to thank the choir for their beautiful singing, also Brother Fuson for his comforting words. The pallbearers were: T. F Patton, John Brewer, Isaac Rice, Charlie and Fred Rogers. The remains were laid to rest in Freedom Cemetery, in charge of Undertaker Kritz of Waveland.
Source: Waveland Independent March 26, 1909
"Bluff Mills" item -- Several from this neighborhood attended the funeral of Mrs. Jennie Burke which was held at Freedom Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Burke was born and reared in this community. For the last three years she and her husband have lived in Browns Valley. About two years ago she suffered a stroke of paralysis and has never been strong since. For the last six months she has suffered greatly and death came as a relief to her pain stricken body. She was a good neighbor and an industrious woman and her husband and mother have our heartfelt sympathy.