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Barbara J. Burke


Sunrise: February 20, 1938

Sunset: May 3, 2025

On May 3rd, 2025, our beloved  Barbara Jean Burke was called home by our heavenly Father, born February 20, 1938, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late William T. Gregory and Sarah L. Gregory.  

Barbara was a stay-at-home mom and raised her four children, often helped with her grandchildren, was a member of Gethsemane Community Church, and served at her church as an usher. Also, she loved cruises; she experienced over 20 cruises and planned several family reunion cruises. Later, Barbara discovered she loved line dancing and formed a line dance group that produced a lot of lasting friendships. Barbara was awarded the Exemplary Community Volunteer Award. She facilitated and was a line dance instructor for Jazzy Ladyz & Gentz. While line dancing was a great exercise outlet, Jazzy Ladyz & Gentz troupe performed at family reunions, retirement homes, and for community outreach events. The cost of each class was just $1, which was used to celebrate birthday parties for each member as well as get well and condolence cards. Additionally, she gave of her time to collect school supplies for neighborhood kids.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, William T. Gregory and Sarah L. Gregory; brother, William Gregory; brother, Ollie Boone; and daughter, Cheryl McIntyre.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories is her sister Zenobia Earls; brother, Fred Thomas; her four children, Carolyn Gill, Gary Mckoy Jr. (Lisa), Adriane Mckoy; thirteen grandchildren, Kentarsha Cradle (Phil), Kenita Atkins, Candace Warren, Dominique Copeland, Kiara Hathaway, Victoria Skinner, Christen Braswell, Donnie Gill Jr, Gregory Gill (Ellen), Kacie and Kennedy McIntyre; thirteen great-grandchildren, Amore, Zion, Olive, Akayla, Isaac, Ian, Imanuel, Isaiah, Enki, Janasia, Ayana, King, and Elianna; one great-great grand Nami.

In addition to her immediate family, she leaves behind a vast, loving network of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and associates, all of whom were touched by her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love. While Barbara may no longer be with us physically, her spirit lives on in the memories of those she leaves behind.

Viewing: Friday, May 9, 2025 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA Celebration of Life: COME IN PERSON OR WATCH ONLINE Saturday, May 10, 2025 11:00 AM Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA Laid to Rest: Forest Lawn Cemetery 8100 Granby Street Norfolk, VA

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Condolences(5)

  1. reply
    Janice Smith Lee says

    Sleep N Heavenly Peace Ms.Barbara My Nextdoor Neighbor, My Sister N Christ, My Line Dance Sista& My Red Hat Diva.Our God Stopped by Friday to pluck a ROSE for His Heavenly Garden .GOD knows you were a Mrs.GreenJeans in the Gardens here on Earth. Mrs Zenobia& Hubby, Gary& Lisa, Carolyn & Adriane , Grands & Great Grands & Family hold on to God’s unchanging hands God will be your Strong TOWER thru this most Difficult time and Beyond!!! Prayerfully Submitted Janice S.Lee & Family next door!!!

  2. reply
    Cheyenne Lee says

    My neighbor…My neighbor oh how i will miss you so…I’m sending my deepest prayers and condolences…We are going to miss you ..Now.get your rest on…Love Cheyenne, Heaven & Arthur Your Neighbors

  3. reply
    John and Martese McCall says

    Will miss you Mrs. Barbara. You are on that Big cruise ship with the Lord. He is going to take you to places you never seen before.

  4. reply
    Marlene studivant-moore says

    Dear Family of Barbara T. Burke,

    Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved Barbara. Words often fall short in moments like these, but may you find comfort in the countless memories, the love she so freely gave, and the lives she touched with grace, strength, and quiet dignity.

    Barbara was more than a mother, sister, aunt, or friend—she was a guiding light. Her presence filled every room with warmth, her wisdom calmed troubled hearts, and her unwavering faith inspired those around her. She was a pillar of love and resilience, always ready with a kind word, a listening ear, or a helping hand. Her legacy will live on in every life she nurtured, every lesson she taught, and every heart she lifted.

    You were the heartbeat of your family and the sunshine of your friends. You will truly be missed, Mom Barbara. Take your rest and know that your work on this earth is done—and it will speak for you always.

    With love and sympathy,
    Marlene Studivant-Moore, Ariel, Karriington, Ernest Charles, and Alexis Richard ( Your Texas Family)

  5. reply
    Marlene studivant-moore says

    Correction: Barbara J. Burke, not Barbara T. Burke

    Dear Family of Barbara J. Burke,
    Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved Barbara. Words often fall short in moments like these, but may you find comfort in the countless memories, the love she so freely gave, and the lives she touched with grace, strength, and quiet dignity.

    Barbara was more than a mother, sister, aunt, or friend—she was a guiding light. Her presence filled every room with warmth, her wisdom calmed troubled hearts, and her unwavering faith inspired those around her. She was a pillar of love and resilience, always ready with a kind word, a listening ear, or a helping hand. Her legacy will live on in every life she nurtured, every lesson she taught, and every heart she lifted.

    You were the heartbeat of your family and the sunshine of your friends. You will truly be missed, Mom Barbara. Take your rest and know that your work on this earth is done—and it will speak for you always.

    With love and sympathy,
    Marlene Studivant-Moore, Ariel, Karriington, Ernest Charles, and Alexis Richard ( Your Texas Family)

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