Harold Lester Burke

HAROLD LESTER BURKE

On Tuesday, October 26th at George Washington University Hospital, Harold Lester Burke transitioned to his eternal home after a short illness. He will live on in the memories, lives and hearts of those he loved and touched.

Harold was born in Washington, DC and educated in the D.C. public schools, graduating from Dunbar High School in 1961.  He continued his education at Pasadena City College and Howard University.  As a life-long learner he was an avid reader and attended seminars and events everywhere related to videography, broadcast communications and the peoples and places of the African Disapora.

In 1968, Harold met Betty Sheppard and they married in 1970.   To this union two sons were born – Stephen and Kyle, who were his love, pride and joy.

Harold was basically a quiet man, always polite and kind to everyone.  He was a very private man and never disparaged anyone.  If he could help you in any way, he would lend a hand or give advice if you sought it.  He was a part of many groups and organizations and often spread himself too thin because he couldn’t say no.  Harold was an active member of the Dunbar High School Alumni Association, the Burke Family Reunion Committee where he served as President for many years and of course, Howard University.  Although he retired from Howard University after 20 years (budget cuts), he never stopped doing consulting work and volunteering there.

As a teenager, Harold accepted Christ and joined the Mt. Olive Baptist Church where he sang in the youth choir.  He later joined his family church in Bainbridge, Georgia as a symbolic gesture to show his love and faith in God and family.

Harold was predeceased by his father, Gorden Burke; his mothers, Rosie Lee Burke and Lucy Mae Hines; his sister, Wendi Burke Gibbs; his brother, Terrence Hines; his niece, Brianna Burke and many other extended family members and friends.

To mourn his death Harold leaves his beloved sons, Stephen Diallo Burke (Marvina) of Mason, Ohio and Kyle Gordon Kazimoto Burke (Farah) of Hempstead, NY; his grandchildren, Aaron, Andrea, Stephanie, David and Jackson Burke, nieces and nephews, cousins and others of the Burke and Hines families, friends and associates too numerous to list.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be sent to the Burke Family Reunion Scholarship Fund. Each year during the family reunion academic scholarships are given to current students in the Burke Family. The scholarships are in recognition of academic achievements and provide financial support for academic pursuits.  We feel this to be a perfect way to honor our Father's love of family and educational excellence.  

Donations can be mailed to: 

Marilyn Udeh

c/o Burke Family Reunion Scholarship Fund 

P.O. Box 44284

South Fulton, GA 30336 

** Please make checks payable to "The Burke Family Reunion''. Please include "Scholarship" on the Memo line. 

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