Christine Elizabeth Burke

Christine Elizabeth "Teenie" Burke Christine Elizabeth "Teenie" Burke, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, departed this life on June 21, 2026, at the age of 78. Her life was a testament to faith, family, service, creativity, and love, and her memory will forever be cherished by all who knew her. Born Christine Elizabeth Johnson on October 8, 1947, in Kent County, Maryland, she was the youngest child of the late Anna Louise Lindsey Johnson and Allen Melvin Johnson, Sr. Affectionately nicknamed "Teenie" by her grandfather during childhood, the name remained with her throughout her life and became the name by which she was lovingly known by family, friends, and community members alike. Christine was raised on Johnsontown Road in Kent County, where she was surrounded by a large and loving family. She often shared cherished memories of growing up among relatives and neighbors, experiences that helped shape her deep appreciation for family, tradition, and community. She attended Henry Highland Garnett High School and graduated in 1965. Following graduation, Christine ventured north to New Jersey to live with her brother during the late 1960’s. She later moved to the Bronx, New York, where she assisted her brother, Allen, and sister-in-law, Ruby, with their family business. Though she spent only two years in New York, she often reflected on that chapter of her life with great fondness, considering it one of her most treasured experiences. Upon returning home to Maryland, Christine married Ray Burke. Through this union, she became a devoted mother to her children, Latoya Burke and Rashaund Burke, and lovingly embraced her daughters, Alicia and later Taccorra, as her own. Family was always at the center of Christine's life, and she took immense pride in nurturing and supporting the children she loved. Christine dedicated many years of service to Black & Decker, later DeWalt, in Easton, Maryland, where she formed lifelong friendships and earned the respect of countless coworkers. After retiring from manufacturing, she followed her passion for caring for others by becoming a Geriatric Nursing Assistant. She worked at Chestertown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, primarily in the Alzheimer's unit, where her compassion, patience, and dedication touched many lives. She also provided home healthcare services, including caring for Ms. Forny, with whom she shared a special bond. Health challenges eventually led to her retirement. A lifelong member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church of the Pomona Charge, Christine faithfully served her church community throughout her life. She was a proud member of the Souls of Faith Choir and found joy in worship, fellowship, and service. Christine was a woman of many talents and creative gifts. She enjoyed sewing and lovingly created clothing and special handmade outfits for family members throughout the years. She was well known for her baking, especially her white potato pies, sweet potato pies, pretzel salad, and fruit tarts, which became staples at family gatherings, church functions, and bake sales. She also enjoyed drawing, painting, and writing. As a family historian, Christine took great pride in preserving memories. She was often the person behind the camera at family gatherings and celebrations, capturing moments that might otherwise have been forgotten. Drawing from photographs she had taken herself, as well as treasured images passed down from her mother, she created beautiful poster displays and visual family collections for reunions and special occasions. She found great joy in sharing family memories and helping loved ones reflect on the people and moments that shaped their lives. In her later years, she found happiness in creating diamond paintings, exploring new recipes, and spending time with those she loved. Christine's greatest joy was her family. She became a grandmother in 1995, a role she cherished deeply. As her family grew, so did her love, and she took great pride in watching her grandchildren grow and thrive. To them, she was simply "Mom-Mom,” a source of unconditional love, wisdom, encouragement, and treasured memories that will last a lifetime. Her love, guidance, and unwavering support will forever remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind. She leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Latoya Burke, Rashaund Burke (Atrea), and Taccorra Graves; her grandchildren, Kierra Burke, Taurize Curtis, Jr., Liam Burke, Hailey Burke, Darius Burke, and Eva Burke; her brother, Allen Johnson, Jr. (Ruby); her beloved nieces, Lori Ann Butler Perry (Tony), Nina Johnson Wright, and Joann Blake; her nephew, Derrick Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Irene Blake and Bernice Butler, her uncle, Walter Dickerson and her beloved daughter, Alicia Burke, whose memory remained close to her heart throughout her life. Christine's legacy of faith, creativity, service, and love will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her. Submitted With Love ~ The Family

Christine Elizabeth Burke

October 8, 1947 - June 21, 2026