Verniese Burke

March 1, 1959 - November 30, 2017

Verniese Nelson Burke was born March 1, 1959 in Chicago, Illinois. She was the loving third of seven children born to Florence Irma Johnson Barner. Verniese, affectionately known as “Byrd”, grew up in the Robert Taylor Home “4555”. She accepted Christ in 1994 at Sweet Holy Spirit under the leadership Bishop Larry Trotter. She attended to DuSable High School and later decided to pursue her GED at Dawson Tech which she did successfully. On October 5, 2007, Verniese married the sweetest thang she’s ever known, Jimmy Burke. He was definitely the love of her life and soulmate. She was an outgoing and fun loving person. She loved to talk, talk, talk… listen to music and being around her family. She enjoyed going for walks in Fuller Park. Byrd’s hobbies included: swimming, skating, knitting blankets and spending time on her computer. Her passion was taking care of the children, many whom know her as Momma. Verniese is preceded in death by her son, Michael; mother, Florence Barner; brothers, George Sutton and Antryne Grantlen; and great niece, Nevaeh Verner. To say Verniese will be deeply missed is an exaggeration. She leaves to cherish her memories, her loving and devoted husband, Jimmy Burke; daughter, Kathleen Cordier; sons, Issac (Lynn), Henry Jr. and Juan Montgomery; her bonus daughter, Chatonya (Dana) Chothen; her sisters, Tewanna Johnson, Randy Windon and Sebrina Townsend-Lynn; her brother, Steven Barner; ten grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.