EARLENE BURKES's Obituary
MARSHALLVILLE –
Earlene Parish Koonce Burkes, 71, passed away on Thursday, June 10, 2021, after an extended illness. At her request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to Friends of Perry Animal Shelter (FOPAS), 204 Kellwood Drive, Perry, GA 31069 or American Liver Foundation, P.O. Box 299, West Orange, NJ 07052.
Earlene was born in Lansing, Michigan, to the late Helen Sutfin Parish Parke and the late Gerald Earl Parish. She was one of six children and was raised to take care of herself, her family, and her home. Earlene grew up in Michigan, lived in Florida for many years, and lived in Georgia for many years. She was a Hairdresser, owned salons in various locations through the years, and was a Manager at Great Clips in Perry. Earlene enjoyed animals, particularly Chihuahuas, and even raised her children to care for animals.
Survivors include her children, Tom Koonce of Marshallville, Kim Koonce Talbott (Chris) of Tucson, AZ, and Brittany Burkes; her grandchildren, Talesha Koonce Monrreal (Jose) of Byromville, Tommie Koonce of Lily, Timothy Johnson (Tara) of Ft. Valley, Emili Koonce (Phoebe) of Hampton, VA, and three other grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; her siblings, Gwendolyn Hlusak (Tom), Vic Parish (Teresa), and Elden Parish (Mary); her sister-in-law, Cathy Parish; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Earlene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of twenty-six years, Tommie Koonce; her brothers, Gerald Parish and Rex Parish; and her husband, Lemuel Burkes.
Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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