Judith Burge

SIKESTON — Judith Lynn Hawkins Burge, passed away on March 30, 2021, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center.

Born on Feb. 28, 1941, in Fayette, she was the daughter of the late O.E. and Kathleen Hawkins. She grew up in Fayette, graduated from Fayette High School and from Central Methodist College, also in Fayette.

On Aug. 21, 1965, she married Jerry Evans Burge, who survives of the home.

Judy was a longtime teacher at the Sikeston High School, and a Sponsor of her much-beloved Sikeston Red Peppers, along with her great friend, Wanda Throop.

After her retirement, she and Wanda enjoyed a series of annual trips that took them to every corner of the globe, often with friends, family, and student groups in tow.

She loved and enjoyed her children and grandchildren, and a constant stream of much-loved and spoiled pets.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her sister and brother-in law, Shirley and Reece Watts, all of Fayette.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry; her son, Louis Burge of Sikeston; her daughter, Amy Burge of St. Louis; her daughter-in-law, Shannon Burge of Sikeston; her grandchildren, Lou and Alice Burge, both of Sikeston; and her niece, Lori Watts of Waco, Texas; and nephew, Steven Watts of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

A small graveside service was held on Friday, April 2, 2021, in Caruthersville, where the Burge family plot is located. A celebration of life reception in Sikeston will be forthcoming at a later date.

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The family asks that contributions be made to:

Sikeston PAWS (Animal Shelter)

1900 Compress Road

Sikeston, MO 63801

or

Bulldog Pantry (Providing basic needs for children in Sikeston)

604 Elm Street

Sikeston, MO 63801

or

any charity of the donor’s choice.