Mother Bennie L. Burkley

Obituary for Bennie (Humphrey) Burkley

Bennie (Humphrey) Burkley was born on December 29, 1930, in Shula, Georgia, to the late Benjamin and Blanche (Robinson) Humphrey. She was the only child born to this union.

Bennie possessed a strong work ethic and a deep belief in independent living. She confessed her faith in Christ at an early age and lived out her Christian values through service to her family, friends, and community.

Bennie had a way of making everyone feel like they were the special one. She loved blues and jazz, and even when money was short and times were hard, she always said, “That’s okay — we’re gonna make it.” Some of the sweetest memories are of us holding hands and skipping together, laughing at her silly faces, and coloring in books. She would say, “This is the brown crayon — that’s the color for their faces and arms,” and we would laugh together. I used to stop by the side of the road to pick wildflowers for her — she would proudly put them in a can with water.

Always willing to help others, Bennie filled her home with love — and with pets. Dogs and cats were always around, and she often said, “It doesn’t take much to feed one more.” She gave the best hugs and had a wonderful sense of humor. She believed in saving for a “rainy day fund,” often reminding us that “life is like a bank — if you don’t put anything in, you can’t take anything out.”

Bennie loved to dance, play Bid Whist, bowl, and watch baseball and football. She could comfort anyone with a gentle, “Don’t worry, everything’s going to be okay.” She was also an avid reader and enjoyed a good novel.

Fishing ran in our family’s blood, and Bennie enjoyed it as much as anyone. Around the age of thirteen, I began to notice she was often tired. I once told her that when I finished high school, I’d get a good job, buy a house, and make sure she’d never have to work again. She took my hand and said, “No, hopefully you’ll find a good man, marry, build your family, and live happily.” That was her — always thinking of others first.

Bennie Burkley leaves to celebrate her beautiful life: her beloved daughter, Esther Oliver; granddaughter Angelica Burkley; great-granddaughter Antoinette Burkley; great-grandson Elijah Burkley; and great-great-grandson Koa Cagampang. She is also survived by her brother Henry Higdon, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Her love, laughter, and wisdom will continue to live on in all who knew her.

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