Donna S. Burkey

Donna S. Burkey

1951-2021

Donna was born August 27th, 1951, in Ada, OK, and Passed in Peace in the comforts of her home April 30th, 2021, at the age of 69.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Don & Wanda Summers, and her brother Neal Summers.

Donna was the loving wife to Arthur A. “Skip” Burkey, mother to Dane & Zach Burkey, mother-in-law to Jynnae Burkey, & grandmother to Alaric A. Burkey & Claire A. Burkey.  She is further survived by two sisters, Mitzi Flanagan & Mandi Henry, and two brothers, Mark Summers and Noel Summers.  Her brothers and sisters, along with their loving husbands, wives, and children have surrounded Donna with a large and loving family that she cherished and will miss her dearly.

Donna achieved her Master’s in Education. She worked hard throughout her career as a 3rd grade teacher until retirement, making sure her students were prepared and successful.

She loved watching college sports, especially OU football, women’s softball, wrestling and boxing.  She had the greenest of thumbs, and the most beautiful flower beds that give us all something to enjoy when sitting outside remembering this special lady.

Donna would want her friends and family to know how special they all are to her, and to live their lives through Christ so that we can all be together again in heaven.  She has left behind a few of her favorite sayings that have stayed with our family for generations:

  • God will never put you through any more than you can handle.
  • Learn to listen and listen to learn.
  • Manners will take you where money won’t go.
  • If it is not worth working for it is not worth having.
  • Have a forgiving heart and don’t carry grudges.
  • It is easier to say I’m sorry than have regrets.

Rest in Peace, Donna Sue.   We will all be together again soon.

Visitation will be 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, including a Rosary Service at 6:00 PM, Tuesday, May 4th, at Matthews Funeral Home.  Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM, Wednesday, May 5th, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 900 S Littler Ave, Edmond, OK 73034.  Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

35 thoughts on “Donna S. Burkey”

  1. Anonymous

    Great picture of your mom. Pretty lady and so sweet sorry Zach & Skip

    1. Ken McBride

      Zach, I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s such a hard thing to go through. She will live on in your heart and memories.
      Take care.

  2. Anonymous

    I loved Donna so much. I’m devastated by her loss. My prayers are with Skip, Zack, Dane, and Jynnae.

  3. Sandra Burkey

    I loved Donna so much. I’m devastated by her loss. My prayers are with Skip, Zack, Dane, and Jynnae.

  4. Debra Wood

    Donna was truly a role model for me when I began teaching. She was the heart of Will Rogers Elementary! The best of the best!

  5. Page Breece

    She was my daughter’s 3rd grade teacher and we adored her. She was a professional and taught with such grace and joy to each of students. We were blessed by knowing her for the few years we did. Such a beautiful soul❣️

    1. Anonymous

      And I’m so sorry for your loss. May God ease your sorrows in the days ahead and replace it with beautiful memories.💝

  6. Anonymous

    What a wonderful picture of a wonderful lady. Happy to have been a part of her life.

  7. Luci Perdue

    I’ve always loved Donna Sue like the sister I never had, sharing all our joys & our sorrows. Our near 50-year friendship seems much too short. But I look forward to seeing her again!

  8. Abby Boatman

    My prayers are with each of you. I taught many years with Donna and often ran into her at coffee shops with her friends after I retired. She was always smiling and just a precious soul! She was a blessing in my life.

  9. Tim Main

    Skip, Dane, Zach, and all:

    My prayers are with you. You might remember that Donna was not only my colleague but my mentor teacher and my Confirmation sponsor. She helped me learn how to teach, and helped me through several rough spots in my first years in the profession. If I weren’t a few thousand miles away, I’d be happy to join you on Tuesday as you celebrate her life and pray for the repose of her soul. May God’s peace be with you now and always.

    Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord;
    And may light perpetual shine upon her.
    May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercies of God rest in peace.

  10. Lynn Weathers

    Skip, I am so sad to hear this news! Donna was such a dear friend. She was one of a kind that had a heart the size of all outdoors.
    She was so proud of her boys and always loved to talk about them.
    Hugs sweet family.

    1. Anonymous

      My heart is breaking over this. I loved teaching with her, and I learned a lot from her. She always had a smile on her face. She will truly be missed by so many.

  11. Brenda Faulkner

    So sorry for your loss. She was my daughter-Hannah- 3rd grade teacher at Will Rogers. She helped my daughter. We loved her. Every time I would see away from school she would say such nice things about Hannah. She was a wonderful women and will be missed.

  12. Paula Parrott

    I join the others in offering condolences to each of you. Those of us that had the privilege and honor of working with Donna know she was a gifted teacher and her students benefited from her teaching and her love of each student individually. I loved her, too, and will miss seeing her in the park, at church and around town. May God bless each of you as you mourn the loss of your wife and mother…she was a truly beautiful woman inside and out.

  13. Lee Ann Beaty

    Skip and Family,
    My heart goes out to you in the loss of Donna. I worked with her for a number of years at Will Rogers. She was delightful…a wonderful friend and respected colleague. She was always so proud of her family. I know you will miss her, but she lives on in each of you.

    1. Anonymous

      Donna was the salt of the earth most amazing soul. My mother Sheila Bell loved her so much. They were the best of friends for many many years. Prayers for your family. We love you so much.

  14. Jody Walters

    Burkey family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I was fortunate enough to be Donna’s teacher assistant many years ago. I learned so much from her. She was a great role model, colleague, and friend. I loved her strength in all situations. My son had her in third grade and he loved her, too. My prayers are with you.

  15. Ellen Jakubowski

    Donna was one awesome caring teacher & friend! I enjoyed working with her at Will Rogers!
    She loved her family! She always had a smile on her face! This past year we got to share our faiths and scriptures with each other and we grew closer as friends! I will definitely miss her!

  16. Sheila Belll

    Donna and I were best friends for 59 years. We shared everything with each other. She loved her family, and was so proud of them all. I will never forget all the many, many memories we shared. I loved her like a sister. I will miss her so much. My heart is breaking. I will pray for her wonderful husband Skip, and sons Zach and Dane.

    1. Susie Bonar Stringfield

      Prayers for comfort and sweet memories for all the family. I’m thankful our classmates were able to reconnect with sweet Donna at our reunion. Her genuine smile and precious spirit was shining through her illness. Continued prayers for those close friends who supported and loved her so dearly.
      Susie Bonar Stringfield

  17. Bob Lillard

    So sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Donna at family get togethers especially the reunions. A beautiful lady with a beautiful soul. Dont think I can make the service but you all are in my prayers. God Bless, Bob

  18. Karen Flores

    Donna was an amazing teacher, mentor, and role model at Will Rogers. She taught the kids so much, beyond what was required in the classroom. She encouraged them to grow big “watermelon brains”, be polite and respectful and to love learning. May she rest in peace and may you always be comforted by the love that filled her entire being.

  19. Jennifer Bell

    My Mom, Sheila loved Donna like a sister, and 50 years of a wonderful friendship. I will always remember her beautiful smile, genuine heart, and adore that unbreakable bond she and my Mom had, the fun times my parents, Terry & Sheila, Donna & Skip shared over the years together, so special. Sending prayers to Skip, sons, and family. Rest easy sweet Donna,
    Jennifer

  20. Randy Ceynar

    Sincere sympathy to Donna’s family. She was a wonderful person. I was blessed to get to know her when I taught at Will Rogers Elementary. I recall how kind and caring she always was toward others. I’ll always have a high regard for her.

  21. Sharon Marion

    Dear Skip, Dane, and Zach

    I am sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved wife and mother. I taught with Donna several years at Will Rogers. She was always smiling and happy. She was a bright light with contagious laughter. Please know I am praying for you during this difficult time.

  22. Kevin Taylor

    Burkey family,

    Growing up, your home was essentially a surrogate household. We’ve spent a great deal of time together. Donna was one of my mother’s greatest friends. She was taken from you too soon, but hopefully, reading these comments from her friends, colleagues, students and parents of students, you can appreciate that she made an enormous impact on this world which will continue for years to come. God bless.

  23. It was always so fun to see Donna at the gym (which was often!). She hardly ever got down the stairs in one try because she always stopped to chat with her many friends. In fact, I can’t think of a time when she wasn’t smiling, whether she was walking on the track or taking a class. Donna’s cheerfulness and friendliness will be missed and she will be warmly remembered.

  24. Mike Brown

    Sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time She was a great lady

  25. Tucker McHugh

    It was my very special privilege to give Donna Holy Communion the last two weeks of her earthly life with Skip and her loving family. Rest In Peace and may the perpetual light shine upon you forever and ever.

  26. Terry Summerlin

    Donna was so nice to me when I taught at Will Rogers. I remember she always had a smile on her face. She inspired people, young and old alike. Prayers for her family. She will truly be missed by all who knew her, but is welcomed home with her Lord and Savior.

  27. David Adams

    Skip so sorry for your loss. She sounds like she was a wonderful person. I lost my wife about 3 years ago so if I be of any help let me know.

  28. Belinda Brawner

    Skip, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Donna. I always enjoyed waiting on Donna at the bank. She always had a smile on her face. I can hear her sweet voice and laughter. I am so happy that our paths crossed. She will be deeply missed by everyone. God bless you and the family.
    Belinda Brawner
    Simmons Bank

  29. Joe Brown

    Skip,

    So sorry to hear of your loss. I can’t imagine…

    It’s been years since we last saw each other, but the memories of our youth live forever in my memory.

    Your friend,

    Joe brown
    Class of ’66

  30. Steve Gust

    My deepest condolences on your loss. May Donna rest in eternal peace

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top