Barbara Ann Bourke

Barbara Ann (Crow) Bourke
August 9, 1941 – December 17, 2025

Barbara Ann (Crow) Bourke, age 84, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, in Biloxi, Mississippi. She was born on August 9, 1941, the beloved daughter of Clarence Crow Jr. and Gladys Louise (Schrempp) Crow.

Barbara graduated from Nokomis High School in 1959 and went on to build a life rooted in family, faith, and service. On June 25, 1960, she married the love of her life, Clarence Bruce “Butch” Bourke of Witt, Illinois. Together they shared 42 years of marriage and raised three children: George William “Bill” Bourke, Penny Sue (Bourke) Powell, and Clarence Michael Bourke.

Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, and her family was always the center of her life. She worked for many years as a cook at the Witt School, where she retired after faithfully serving her community. She was known for her strong work ethic and caring spirit.

In her free time, Barbara found joy in gardening, canning, cooking and baking, sewing, and especially hand quilting—a craft she truly loved. She also enjoyed camping, the outdoors, long walks on the beach, and watching sunsets, moments that brought her peace and happiness.

After the passing of her husband, Butch, Barbara moved to Destin, Florida, to be near her youngest son, Michael. The two later moved briefly to Houston, Texas, before settling in Biloxi, Mississippi, where she spent her final days.

Barbara was a faithful member of St. Barbara’s Catholic Church in Witt, Illinois, and her faith remained an important part of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Gladys Crow; her sister, Cindy Crow Winkler McFaden; her husband, Clarence “Butch” Bourke; and her daughter, Penny Bourke Powell.

She is survived by her sons, Bill Bourke and wife Dianna of Pana, Illinois, and Michael Bourke of Biloxi, Mississippi; her grandchildren, Ashley Bourke Karnes and husband Jordan Karnes of Oconee, Illinois, Kimberley Bourke Cearlock and husband Kenny Cearlock of Nokomis, Illinois, Derek Bourke and wife Samantha of Nokomis, Illinois, Seth Powell of Brownstown, Illinois, and Shelby Powell of Neoga, Illinois; and her great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Tenley, Kennedy, and Grange Karnes of Oconee, Illinois, Kaylee and Kinzley Cearlock of Nokomis, Illinois, and Jaxson and Grady Bourke of Nokomis, Illinois. She is also lovingly remembered by her numerous nieces and nephews.

Barbara will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, and unwavering love for her family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Services
Services for Barbara Bourke will be held on December 26th at St. Louis Catholic Church in Nokomis, Illinois. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, with a Funeral Mass to follow. Father Michael and Father Rodney will be officiating. Interment will follow at St. Barbara's Catholic Cemetery in Witt.

Memorials
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Louis Catholic Church in Nokomis, Illinois.

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