Deborah C. "Debbie" Burke (70) of Watson

Deborah C. “Debbie” Burke, 70, of Watson, IL, passed away on Thursday, September 2, 2021, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Private burial will be in Old Union Cemetery in rural Louisville. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday prior to the service at the funeral home. Please wear a mask for all services and practice social distancing.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here. 

Debbie was born June 20, 1951, the daughter of Theron and Clarice (Austin) Shouse. She married Jay B. “Benny” Burke on June 22, 1969, at Old Union Church, Bible Grove, and he survives.

Debbie had worked for the Clay County Circuit Clerk and was a secretary for the city of Louisville, IL. She also worked at Clarkson’s Furniture in Altamont and for JB Vending. Debbie was a supportive and loving wife, mother, and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family. She had a giving heart and enjoyed feeding her birds. She also found joy in arranging flowers, gardening and going to garage sales.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Jay Burke of Watson; children, Romona Burke of Effingham and Cory (Shannon) Burke of Oak Park; grandchildren, Broch (Madison) Holste, Alexander Burke, and Henry Burke; great-grandchildren, Harrison Holste and Claira Hatten; siblings, James (Peggy) Shouse, JuLee (Brad) Heuerman, Kelly (Chuck) Wohltman; and step-sisters, Beth (David) Nichols and Kris (Jim) Fortado.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and step-mother, Dorothy (Smith) Shouse.