Joan Burke

Joan V. Burke rejoined the love of her life in their eternal home on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, she was surrounded by her loved ones.

Joan was born on April 15, 1934, to Fred and Caroline Volz on Long Island, New York. In June 1953, she married the love of her life, John T. “Jack” Burke. They settled in Freeport, New York, where they began their life together and started their family. In the early 1960s, Joan and Jack moved their family to Beaufort, South Carolina, where they made their home for the remainder of their lives.

Joan had a lifelong love of sewing and crafts. In the early 1970s, she worked at the Singer store before beginning her banking career in the mid-1970s at The Peoples Bank. The bank eventually became Bankers Trust, where Joan continued her career until retiring in the early 1990s.

Joan was a devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church for more than 60 years and dearly loved her church family.

Above all, Joan cherished her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One of her greatest joys in life was having the entire family together. She loved nothing more than watching all of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren play, laugh, and spend time together.

After retirement, Joan continued her love of crafting. Along with her husband, Jack, she made and sold their handmade wares at numerous craft shows. Joan and Jack also shared a love of travel, which often took them on camping adventures and the occasional cruise.

Joan is survived by her four children: Patsy Cooler (Gary) of Statesboro, Georgia; Jack Burke (Cindi) of Beaufort, South Carolina; Jimmy Burke (Tracey) of Greenwood, South Carolina; and Denise Smith (Billy) of Beaufort, South Carolina. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, who brought immeasurable joy to her life.

A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the Beaufort National Cemetery. Visitation with the family will follow immediately after the service at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Lady’s Island.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church.