Madeline E. Burkes

Madeline E. (Newsome) Burkes transitioned from her earthly life to be present with her Lord June 9, 2021 She was born June 17, 1938, to Mary K. and William Newsome in Malvern, Ohio. A valedictorian graduate of Malvern H.S. Madeline went on to be a stellar student of nursing, graduating summa cum laude from Massillon School of Nursing becoming a Registered Nurse. Employed by Mercy Medical Center she held an illustrious career of nursing for 46 years many as Head Nurse of the NICU, which she initiated along with Dr. Aufan Alwan. Madeline married Joseph Burkes in 1959. She was a lifelong and very active member of First Baptist Church of Malvern, serving as a Sunday School Teacher, Deaconess, Mother of the Church, Trustee and Treasurer. Madeline had many hobbies and interests and always kept busy with games, puzzles, reading and music. She was impressive in taking up the computer, rarely missing one of her CAMUG computer club meetings where she loved to learn and find new electronic gadgets. Never idle during retirement, she served with Stephen’s Ministries visiting the sick and senior citizens. She ministered to so many by just sharing her time, a kind word, or a sympathetic ear. Most of all, she loved her family. Madeline enriched everyone that she encountered and generously left a light wherever she walked. She was the essence of a nurturer who always made a person feel loved and truly cared for. Madeline was the Proverbs 31 woman, “more precious than rubies”. Proceeded in death by her parents, 3 sisters, Gloria Thompson, Ada Mitchell, and Marian Longshore; 3 brothers, Clyde Thompson, Joseph, and William E. Newsome. Madeline leaves to cherish her memory, her adoring husband Joseph; devoted children, Cathy, Hollis, and Todd Burkes; grandchildren Madalyn, Benjamin (Daniella), and Olivia Burkes. Brothers, John, and Bernard (Patricia) Newsome. Sister, Wilhelmina Wright, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, professional colleagues, and neighbors. Special acknowledgement to her First Baptist Church family, and beloved friends Sophia Crabbs, Joan Howard, Rita McCoy, Katherine Miles, Mildred Pryor, and Joan Warren. Madeline leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew her kind soul, loving encouragement, sincere empathy, and gentle guidance. The Light of Jesus shined about her, may we fulfill her desire that “we all see Jesus and sing and shout the victory”. A Homegoing celebration will be held on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 11:30a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Malvern located at 311 South Carollton Street, Malvern, Ohio 44644. Pastor Henry J. Payden Jr. will be officiating the service. The family will receive friends at the Paquelet Funeral Home - 1100 Wales Road NE Massillon, OH 44646 on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 from 6 to 8 P.M. and 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday morning. The committal will be held at Bethlehem Cemetery following the church service with Pastor Henry J. Payden Jr. officiating.