March 11, 2023, 94, La Grange –

January 14, 1929 – March 11, 2023

Grace Sugg Burke passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Kitty Askins Hospice in Goldsboro, NC. Grace was born January 14, 1929, in Greene County to the late Josiah Sugg, Sr, and Beulah Phillips Sugg. Grace was also preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Raymond Burke, Jr.

Grace was a welcoming and loving presence in La Grange. She could be seen walking around town getting her exercise. As she got older, she moved her exercise to the aisles of Food Lion. Everyone knew her sweet smile and kind demeanor. Grace had a conversation with everyone. Later, when she wasn’t able to get out, she made sure to make her rounds checking on others and chatting by phone.

Grace grew up in Greene County and went to East Carolina University (then ECTC) for her degree to teach. For 5 years, she taught in public schools. She met and married the love of her life, Cecil, on December 18, 1955. It was in La Grange that Grace began her kindergarten and preschool. She had the Pre-School for over 19 years and there are many folks who were brought up in her home, learning and growing in her care. Grace then went on to work at the La Grange Public Library for 16 years. Grace became a “mama” to many in La Grange. But it was Ray and Mike who were guided by her hand. And according to Grace, they often needed quite a bit of guidance in the early years.

Grace and Cecil were passionate about helping others have access to the Word of God. They supported several missions to help distribute the Bible all over the world. Grace was instrumental in passing on her knowledge of the Word at La Grange First Missionary Baptist Church. Many looked up to her for her wisdom. She studied many long hours to present the Gospel in a real and true way. Grace also served as the first woman deacon at the church. This allowed her to help with the guidance of the church. She was a great supporter of her pastor and was helpful in any way possible.

Grace’s most admirable attribute was her love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was the first to tell you she wasn’t perfect and had made plenty of mistakes. What Grace did have was the love of God in her. And she was constantly grateful for his mercy and sacrifice through Jesus. Grace’s compassion and care will be missed by all, but probably most by her grandchildren. They were her joy and she relished any opportunity she had to spend with them. Ultimately, though, Grace is where she craved to be for so long, at home with her Savior.

A Service of Remembrance will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at 12 Noon at Rouse Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 11 am on Tuesday with Committal to follow the service at Fairview Cemetery, La Grange.

Grace is survived by her children, Cecil Raymond “Ray” Burke, III (Amy), and Michael “Mike” Rolph Burke (Cindy); grandchildren, Ashleigh Burke Woolard (Taylor), Anna Blake Burke Baird (Luke), Drew Burke (Haley Andrews), Mikal Burke, Tony Castro (Brittany), Steven Warren (Samantha), Matthew Warren (Bailey Humphrey); great-grandchildren, Lainey Woolard, Chloe Grace Baird, Whitlee Burke, and Rachel Warren. In addition to her parents and husband, Grace was preceded in death by her siblings, Thomas Sugg, William Sugg, Joe Sugg, Sarah Shepherd, and Elizabeth “Bet” Davis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to

Online Condolences can be made at www.rousefh.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange, NC.