CHARLESTON -- Emma Rebecca Burke Shew, 96, died at 12:15 p.m. Feb. 15, 2008, at her home in rural Charleston.
Born July 20, 1911, in Mississippi County to the late Rufus Edgar and Ollie Zimmer Barnhill, she lived and worked her entire life in Mississippi County. A graduate of Charleston High School and Southeast Missouri State University, at age 16, "Miss Emma," as she was affectionately known by her friends, began her teaching career in a one-room school house. She taught for over 35 years and she was Missouri's youngest recipient of a Missouri teaching certificate.
She will be remembered as a faithful member of the United Methodist Church, an avid card player and a passionate cook who loved to entertain and deliver her hot rolls all over town. "Miss Emma" held her students and family to high standards and was involved in all their comings and goings until her death.
She was first married to Edmund Taylor Burke, who preceded her in death on March 13, 1969. In 1974 she married Leroy Shew, who preceded her in death on July 7, 1995.
Surviving are: two sons and daughters-in-law, Emmett and Barbara Jo Burke and James Edmund and Jeanne Burke of Charleston; two daughters and sons-
in-law, Janet Sue and Alan Shew of Kingston Springs, Tenn., and Dr. Martha Ellen and Monroe Black of Charleston; one stepson and spouse, Allen and Janet Shew of Kingston Springs, Tenn.; two stepdaughters and spouses, Ann and Roy J. Stocking of Rockport, Ala., and Donna and James Acreback of Arlington Texas; and 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one brother, Edgar Barnhill; three sisters, Willie B. Howard, Helen Barnhill and Florence Ellen Crecelius; and her longtime employee and friend, Jessie Mae Williams.
Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Sunday at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the United Methodist Church in Charleston with the Rev. Roger N. Jespersen, pastor, officiating.
Burial will follow at the IOOF Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Chris Shew, Taylor Burke, Evin Burke, Sam Burke, Mark Cochran, Tim Heatherman and Eddie Barnhill.
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Memorials may be made to:
Susanna Wesley Family Learning Center P.O. Box 249 East Prairie, MO 63845
or
United Methodist Church 1700 E. Marshall Charleston, MO 63834
Paid obituary