Barbara Jennings Burke

Barbara Jennings Burke, 83, of Danville, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2026 into the Arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was born on August 15, 1942 in her grandparents home in Princeton, West Virginia. Her parents are the late H. B. Jennings and Lucille Rose Jennings. She graduated from Athens High School. She attended Concord University, The University of Hawaii and Arkansas State. She earned a Masters of Education. She taught Kindergarten at Head Start in Blytheville, Arkansas. She retired from Tot Spot on Camden St in Danville after teaching there for 31 years. She loved to teach kids how to read, write and do math. But most of all, she loved to teach them about God’s love. On March 16, 1963, she married the love of her life, Earl Burke, who survives Their love story began in December of 1962, while Earl was on leave from the United States Air Force. They went on a blind date set up by Earl’s sister, Ruth. After six dates, Earl had to report back to duty at McCoy Air Force Base in Orlando, Florida. Shortly after, Earl received orders for Tokyo, Japan and they decided to get married. They traveled all over the world together with the Air Force. In addition to her husband, Earl, Barbara is survived by her three daughters, Cindy Burke Thompson (Steve), Carolyn Burke Penninger (Jeff) and Bren Burke Hankins (Steve); eight grandchildren, Scott Thompson (Jamey), Daniel Thompson, Christopher Key, Tyler Key (Skyler), Haley Key Emerson (Robby), Jason Penninger (Abby), Joshua Penninger and Justin Penninger (Rachael); ten great-grandchildren, Spencer Thompson, Cade Shively, Ashton Shively, Braxton Galvin, Karleigh Galvin, Leighton Key, Chloe Emerson, Beckett Emerson, Winnie Penninger and Jack Penninger, a sister, Patty Ford (Shelby); several nieces and nephews and several special cousins. She is also survived by her loving church family, her work friends and many special friends from the Air Force. As well as her baby, Missy. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by a great granddaughter, Sydney Emerson and one brother, Larry Jennings. She was a member of Welcome Baptist Church where she taught the kids in Sunday School and in Vacation Bible School. She was the best Wife, Momma and Mema. She told us she loved us but also let us know when we were wrong. She was known for her generosity – always taking food to people. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening, June 24, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Wrenn-Yeatts Funeral Homes, Westover Chapel. At other times, the family will be at the Burke residence. The funeral service for Barbara will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Welcome Baptist Church with Pastor Jeff Woods and Pastor Delton Agnor officiating. Interment will follow in Danville Memorial Gardens. A special thank you to Mountain Valley Hospice Care, her nurses, Lizzie Earles and Taylor; her CNA’s, Rasheen, Lisa and Cherie Luther, they were absolutely amazing and a blessing to the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brosville Fire and Rescue, 11912 Martinsville Highway, Danville, VA 24541 or to Mountain Valley Hospice, 240 Commonwealth Blvd West, Unit 602B, Martinsville, VA 24112. Wrenn-Yeatts Funeral Homes, Westover Chapel is respectfully serving the Burke family.

Barbara Jennings Burke

August 15, 1942 - June 19, 2026