Betty Sheppard Burke

Betty Sheppard Burke, 79, of High Point, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026, at her home.

Born November 8, 1946, in Richland, GA; she was a daughter of the late Walter Sam Sheppard and the late Josephine Jordan Pierce.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Sheppard and sister, Annette Pierce.

Betty, along with her siblings, mother, and stepfather, moved from Georgia to Trenton, New Jersey, in 1954. It was there that she attended elementary school through high school. Betty grew up as an active member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, where she participated in youth activities, including singing in the church youth choir. As a young girl, she loved spending time at the library, and her passion for books and reading became a lifelong joy. She also enjoyed attending dances, going to the skating arena, and was a member of the local YWCA teen club.

In 1964, Betty graduated from Trenton Central High School. Following graduation, she began working at the local Bell Telephone Company as a telephone operator. In 1966, she relocated from New Jersey to the Washington, D.C., area to attend Strayer College, where she received secretarial training. Although she initially planned to move to California after completing her studies with one of her roommates, Betty quickly fell in love with Washington, D.C. and decided to make it her home. While working at the United Planning Organization, Betty met Harold Burke and in 1971 they were married. They shared more than 40 years of marriage and made their home in Washington, D.C., where they raised their two sons, Stephen and Kyle.

While Betty spent the early part of her career in Human Resources, she later embarked on a second professional chapter in legal services. She worked as an Executive Assistant at several Am Law 100 firms, including Covington & Burling and later Sidley & Austin. A lifelong learner, Betty chose to further her education in 1994 by enrolling in a graduate program at Lincoln University. In 1996, she earned her Master’s Degree in Human Services while continuing to work full-time.

After several successful years in legal services, Betty retired in 2015 and, after more than 50 years in Washington, D.C., relocated to High Point, North Carolina. True to her warm and social nature, she quickly formed many meaningful friendships in her new community. An avid reader, Betty joined a local book club and frequently hosted gatherings in her home. She also loved playing cards and enjoyed weekly card games with close friends. Betty had a passion for estate sales and collected artwork by various African American artists. She delighted in entertaining, often inviting friends from Washington, D.C., to visit. A gifted baker, Betty frequently baked for her church and surprised friends with homemade treats. She was known for always having something sweet ready for anyone who stopped by.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory and celebrate her transition to Glory: Sisters and Brothers: Mary Johnson of Alexandria VA, Gail S. Goddard (Edward) of Pleasantville, NJ, Johnnie Pierce (Linda) of Capitol Heights, MD, Willie Pierce of Springfield, MA. Sons: Stephen Burke, of Cincinnati, OH and Kyle Burke (Farah), of Hempstead, NY. Nieces and Nephews: Katherine (Renee) McKinnis of Trenton, NJ, Kimberly Sheppard-Wilkins (Brian) of Trenton, NJ, Diana Bridgeforth (Mark) of Ewing, NJ. Regina Brooks (K.D.) of Willingboro, NJ Tselane Sheppard-Williams (Charles) of Sewell, NJ, Jeannette Drayton of Lexington, KY and Pearce Pierce of Ft Meyer, FL. Grandchildren: Aaron Burke, Andrea Burke, Stephanie Burke, David Burke, Jackson Burke, and a host of great nieces and nephews and cousins, friends and neighbors.

Memorial service will be 3:00 PM Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point chapel. The family will receive friends following the service.

Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point, is in charge of the arrangements.