Barbara Ann (Crow) Bourke, age 84, died peacefully on Dec. 17, 2025, in Biloxi, MS.
Services will be held on Friday, Dec. 26, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Nokomis. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a Funeral Mass to follow. Father Michael and Father Rodney will be officiating. Interment will follow at St. Barbara’s Catholic Cemetery in Witt.
Mrs. Bourke was born on Aug. 9, 1941, the beloved daughter of Clarence Crow Jr. and Gladys Louise (Schrempp) Crow. She graduated from Nokomis High School in 1959 and went on to build a life rooted in family, faith and service.
On June 25, 1960, she married the love of her life, Clarence Bruce “Butch” Bourke of Witt. Together they shared 42 years of marriage and raised three children: George William “Bill” Bourke, Penny Sue (Bourke) Powell and Clarence Michael Bourke.
Mrs. Bourke was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Her family was always the center of her life. She worked for many years as a cook at the Witt school, where she retired after faithfully serving her community. She was known for her strong work ethic and caring spirit.
In her free time, Mrs. Bourke found joy in gardening, canning, cooking and baking, sewing and especially hand quilting, a craft she truly loved. She also enjoyed camping, the outdoors, long walks on the beach and watching sunsets, moments that brought her peace and happiness.
After the passing of her husband, Mrs. Bourke moved to Destin, FL, to be near her youngest son, Michael. The two later moved briefly to Houston, TX, before settling in Biloxi, MS, where she spent her final days.
Mrs. Bourke was a faithful member of St. Barbara’s Catholic Church in Witt and her faith remained an important part of her life. She will be remembered for her kindness, creativity and unwavering love for her family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Mrs. Bourke was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Gladys Crow; her sister, Cindy Crow Winkler McFaden; her husband, Clarence “Butch” Bourke; and her daughter, Penny Bourke Powell.
Mrs. Bourke is survived by her sons, Bill (wife Dianna) Bourke of Pana and Michael Bourke of Biloxi, MS; grandchildren, Ashley (husband Jordan) Bourke Karnes of Oconee, Kimberley (husband Kenny) Bourke Cearlock of Nokomis, Derek (wife Samantha) Bourke of Nokomis, Seth Powell of Brownstown and Shelby Powell of Neoga; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Tenley, Kennedy and Grange Karnes of Oconee; Kaylee and Kinzley Cearlock of Nokomis and Jaxson and Grady Bourke of Nokomis; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Louis Catholic Church in Nokomis. Condolences may be left online at www.stiehldawsonfh.com.
