Martha "Marty" Burke, 66, of St. Albans, peacefully passed away in her sleep on Friday, July 31, after a short illness.
Anyone who knew Marty speaks of how she would light up a room with her smile and laughter. She was a devoted educator with a passion for teaching students and adults and was a shining example of what an educator should be. She brought happiness, hope and knowledge to her students, her colleagues and her family; she was an inspiration to all who came in contact with her.
During her 38-year tenure as an educator, Marty taught biology for 19 years at Stonewall Jackson High School and 19 years at Capital High School. During her exemplary teaching experience she was recognized as Kanawha Valley Teacher of the Year and served as the student council sponsor for both Stonewall Jackson High School and Capital High School. Students from both schools fondly tell stories of her leadership with the boy cheerleaders at both schools.
Following her classroom experience in Kanawha County, Marty served as assistant director of the West Virginia Department of Education Office of Curriculum and Instruction until her retirement in June 2013. As assistant director, she touched the lives of K-12 teachers across the state through the Teacher Leadership Institute and other statewide professional development opportunities. Her most noteworthy accomplishment at the state level was the development and implementation of a hands-on, kit-based science program for K-6 students. This program was a success due to her leadership and guidance as she shared her expertise and love of science with K-6 teachers across the state.
Marty was the daughter of James E. Dunlap and Vera J. Ellis, and her stepfather was Arleigh W. Ellis. She was happily married to Jack T. Burke, Sr. for 45 years. Together they had a daughter, Erika Leigh Burke of St. Albans. Also surviving are her son, Greg, and son-in-law, Louie Robinson, of Cross Lanes; stepson, Jack T. Burke, Jr. of Ohio; stepdaughter, Vickie Lynn Harris (David) of Poca; brother, Tom Dunlap (Jeannine) of Georgia; Sue Van Meers ("Van") of Maryland; and Jamie Cheney (Dave) of Pennsylvania.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at Casdorph & Curry Funeral Home, St. Albans. The Rev. Sharletta Green will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m., prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, P.O. Box 3041, Charleston, WV 25331, with notation on memo section to read 'Dunlap/Ellis Scholarship Fund.'
Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.casdorphandcurry.com.