Extracted from The Lufkin Daily News (Lufkin, TX)
Monday, May 22, 2006

Anna Belle Dill Burke

Memorial services for Anna Belle Dill Burke, 88, of Lufkin, will be held at 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 23, 2006, at the First United Methodist Church of Lufkin with Reverend Carol Turner, Dr. Jack Shoultz and Reverend Bettie Kennedy officiating.

Anna Belle was born November 28, 1917, in Austin, Texas. Her devotion to providing services to children of all races was evidenced early in life, when she was a scout leader for young girls of Latin American descent living in the slums of East Austin in the 1930's. She was active in scouting the rest of her life and worked as a Girl Scout leader during the years all three of her daughters participated in the Girl Scouts.

She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics from the University of Texas at Austin in 1940. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Lufkin, was active in the United Methodist Women and assisted in the Youth Department during the years her daughters were in the Church School. Anna Belle was a leader of the organization which was responsible for the establishment of the Lufkin State School. This organization then persuaded the Lufkin Schools to begin Special Education classes for children with learning disabilities. She was a director of the Lufkin Adult Learning Center where she volunteered as a tutor. She was an organizing member and a director of the Lufkin Workshop and Opportunity Center.

Anna Belle established the Rainbow Fund for Special Student Services at Angelina College, and The Betsy Burke Scholarship Fund to assist students desiring in getting an education. Among many awards of appreciation Anna Belle received were: the KTRE-Texas Foundries' ``Nine Who Make a Difference;'' Community Service Award from The University of Texas Exes in Home Economics; and the Angelina Award with her husband for a lifetime of service to Angelina County. She was a Past President of the Altrusa Club and of the Literary Club, both of Lufkin.

Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Ward R. Burke of Lufkin; daughters, Barbara Ann Burke Smith of Houston, Marilyn Ruth Burke Wong and husband, James M. Wong, of Humble, and Betsy Elaine Burke of Lufkin; brothers, George Lee Dill and Willie K. Dill, both of Austin; one grandson, Benny C. Smith, Jr., and wife, Sara of Houston; three great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The family expresses sincere appreciation to Hospice in the Pines and the Care Givers who served Anna Belle in her last years.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 805 E. Denman Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75901; Lufkin Workshop & Opportunity Center, Inc., 1305 Tulane, Lufkin, Texas 75901; The Betsy Burke Scholarship Fund at Angelina College, P.O. Box 1768, Lufkin, Texas 75902; Hospice in the Pines, 116 S. Raguet, Lufkin, Texas 75901; or to your favorite charity.

Gipson-Metcalf Funeral Directors; Bill Swearingen and Todd Stracener, directors.