Diana Burke

A Life Full of Love – The Story of Diana G. Burke

Diana Parker was born on February 5, 1942, in Dallas, Texas, to her loving parents, Anna Belle and James Parker. She had a happy and playful childhood, full of laughter, love, and simple joys. Growing up in the heart of Dallas, Diana learned early on what it meant to care for others and to find joy in everyday moments.

She attended North Dallas High School, where she was known for her sweet nature and strong spirit. It was during these teenage years that her life changed forever. When she was 16 years old, she met the boy who lived just two doors down, Charles Burke. From the very beginning, they had a special connection that only grew stronger throughout the years.

After high school, Diana went to cosmetology school and became a talented hairdresser. She had a natural gift for making people feel beautiful, both on the outside as well as on the inside. At 19, she married the love of her life, Charles Burke, and became Mrs. Diana Burke. Charles always called her "My Sweetie," a name he lovingly used throughout their amazing 67 years together, 64 of those as husband and wife.

Charles served in the United States Air Force for 30 years. Being a military wife came with challenges, but Diana faced every move, every separation, and every new beginning with grace and strength. After their first son, Michael, was born in Dallas, the family moved again and again, from California where daughter Tracy was born, to North Dakota where son Madison was born, then to Alaska, back to California, landing in Dallas while Charles was overseas in Thailand. The family finally landed in New Jersey to wind up their military life. Their eventual place of retirement would be back in Texas in the town of Mesquite.

Diana made every house a home. When Charles was away on duty, she stepped into both the mom and dad roles without hesitation. She raised her children with patience, love, and a strong sense of family. No matter where they lived, she created warmth, laughter, and a place of belonging.

Diana had a creative and generous heart. She loved working with her hands crocheting, painting, and making festive yard signs that made the holidays feel magical. One of the ministries closest to her heart was the one she helped organize: a group of women who crocheted hats for the homeless. Diana saw a need, recognized her talent, and put it into action because that's just who she was. She believed in doing good quietly but meaningfully.

Each grandchild received a special quilt from her, sewn with love and care and signed with her heart. Depending on the grandchild, she was lovingly called Grams, Grandma, or Mommom. No matter the name, the love was always the same.

She also expressed her love through food. Her banana pudding was legendary, her Christmas peanut brittle couldn't be beat, and her biscuits and gravy have become a family legacy. Diana wasn't afraid to try new recipes, either. She loved experimenting in the kitchen, especially for dinner parties and with her talent, every dish was a home run.

She cheered loudly for the Dallas Cowboys. Jason Witten was her favorite player. She was the lively bingo caller at her independent living facility, the Waterford, where she and Charles recently lived. She had the gift of gab and never met a stranger. More than just talking, she truly connected. She made people feel seen, heard, and special-whether they were a lifelong friend or someone she just met in the line at the store.

One of her favorite sayings for her grandkids was "I love you a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck."

She loved soaking up the sunshine and had wonderful trips to Myrtle Beach. Most vacations were big, multigenerational adventures with her kids and grandkids, packed full of laughter, stories, food, and togetherness.

At the core of it all, Diana was a woman of faith. She loved the Lord with all her heart and lived out that faith in how she loved others with generosity, hospitality, and unwavering kindness.

Diana Burke is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Charles Burke (83); her children: Michael Keith Burke (63) and his wife Julia S. Burke (63), Tracy Leigh Reed (61) and her husband Mark Reed (64), and Robert Madison Burke (56); her grandchildren: Chelsea Paige Logue (35) and her husband Brian Thomas Logue (34), Steven Craig Reed (33) and his wife Valerie Lorrian Reed (33), Alyssa Katelyn Zamora (31) and her husband Austin Lawrence Zamora (40), Sabrena Dominque Fary (31), Jordon Charles Reed (27), and Madison Ashley Proulx (23) and her husband Clay Proulx; and great-grandchildren: Emery Ryan Logue (6), Kylie Anne Reed (5), Axel Keith Zamora (3), Arya Leeann Zamora (23), Harper Lynnleigh Reed (18 months), and Lainey James Logue (6 months).

In heaven she joins her her beloved parents, Anna Belle and James Parker, sister Neoma Jean Husband, and brother James Earl Parker, Jr.

Diana Burke lived a beautiful life full of purpose, love, and faith. Her hands created, her heart gave freely, and her presence made everyone feel at ease. She leaves behind a legacy that will be felt for generations, a true reminder that one life lived with love can touch so many.