Gloria Jean Burley, 75, passed away on April 9, 2024. Beechie, as she was fondly called, was born on June 26, 1948 in Fernwood, Mississippi to Claude Harrell, Jr. and Velma Thompson. She was the firstborn of five children.

Beechie was preceded in death by her father Claude, her mother Velma, a great grandson Caleb, a nephew Phillip, and a great nephew Jackson.

In 1956 Claude moved his family from Mississippi to Chicago, Illinois. It was here that Beechie would complete her education, start a career, get baptized, and meet the love of her life Milton Burkley.

In 1966 Beechie graduated from Carter H. Harrison high school in Chicago, Illinois. After which, she entered the work force. She went on to work at various jobs during her lifetime. They included Billing Supervisor for Rush Medical Center in Chicago, Service Representative for Hobart Manufacturing in Houston, TX, and finally as a Quality Control Specialist for Morey Electronics in Bolingbrook, Illinois. It was from this job that she retired.

Beechie was baptized on April 16, 1967 and became a member of the Worldwide Church of God. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and remained faithful until she departed this life.

In 1969, Beechie met Milton Burkley who was also a member of the Worldwide Church of God. At the time of their meeting Milton resided in McKeesport, PA. However, on a trip to Chicago to visit a friend, he was introduced to Beechie. Milton promptly relocated to Chicago and as they say "the rest is history."

On March 1, 1970, Milton and Beechie were joined in holy matrimony. From this union one son, Bryan Randall Burkley, was born.

Beechie had a deep and abiding love for fishing, and she spent many hours enjoying this entertainment with Milton and Bryan. Her love for fishing would deepen even more when she was able to share the experience with her granddaughters. However, words cannot the joy and happiness it brought her to be able to see her little great grand children enjoying fishing as much as she did.

Beechie leaves to cherish her memory a loving husband Milton, as adored son Bryan, a sister Claudine, three brothers Ronald (Geri), Larry (Cathy), and Elvis (Sharon), three granddaughters Charelle, Desiree, and Jazmine, and the loves of her life great grandchildren Owen, Jayla, Javion, and Camilla. She also leaves behind an uncle, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Beechie, you will be deeply missed. Like your father, you possessed a quick wit and an unmatched sense of humor. You brought us so much laughter. The love and support you showed to all of your grandchildren set the standard of what a grandmother should be. Your presence will be so greatly missed by Milton, Bryan, and all of your family. But, we will find peace in that blessed hope, knowing that one day we will be together once again. We love you mightily!

The Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m., located at McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home & Crematorium, 530 West Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440. The funeral service begins at 1:00 p.m.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home & Crematorium.