Jenny Burkeen

Virginia Lee Burkeen, also lovingly known as Jenny, of Cadet, Missouri, was born on February 5, 1934, in Potosi, Missouri, a daughter to Louis Wesley Smith and Hattie (Moss) Smith, step daughter to Howard Essmueller. Jenny departed this life on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at her home having reached the age of 88 years, 7 months and 3 days.

On November 28, 1984, Jenny was united in marriage to Jimmie Burkeen and they shared nearly 39 years of life and love together. Jenny loved quilting and embroidering. She also did seamstress work and worked many years at shoe factory. Jenny enjoyed cooking and treating her family to good meals. From her homemade biscuits to her famous soup. Jenny was a caregiver and always wanted to make sure everyone’s needs were met. Jenny along with her husband Jimmie, enjoyed playing music at the local nursing homes for approximately 20 years. Jenny also loved taking her puppy, Jewel Mae, with her to the nursing homes for the residents to love on. Jenny was a dog lover in general and loved having her puppies around. She will be missed by all who loved and knew her.

Those who remain to treasure her memory include her loving husband, Jimmie Burkeen; six step children: Jimmie Burkeen Jr. (wife, Trish), Michael Burkeen (wife, Lisa), Douglas Burkeen, Christy Ward (husband, Stacy), Ruth Reece (husband, David), and Betty Ann Dixon; several grandchildren: Jimmie Burkeen III, Michael Burkeen, Christopher Burkeen, Robert Burkeen, Kolden Ward, Kegan Ward, Megan Reece, Chastity Reece, Hunter Reece and many other grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jenny also leaves behind many special nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Jenny was preceded in passing by her father, Louis Wesley Smith; mother, Hattie Essmueller; step father, Howard Essmueller; first husband, Carl D. Smith; grandson, Alec Burkeen; eight siblings: Herbert Smith, Melvin Smith, Helen “Tad” Peak, Lawrence “Short” Smith, Jessie Smith, Rosie Harris, Mildred Smith, and Shirley Burkeen.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 9, 2022 from 5 to 8 PM at DeClue Funeral Home. Visitation will resume from 9 to 10 AM Saturday, September 10th.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 10 AM at DeClue Funeral Home with Elder Leonard Compton officiating. Interment and final prayers will be held at Mission Ridge Cemetery, Potosi, MO.

DeClue Funeral Home was honored to have served and ministered to the family of Jenny. View video tribute and express online condolences by visiting www.decluefuneralhome.com