On July 17, 1933, in Anderson, South Carolina a baby girl was born to the proud parents of Clarence and Ora Gillard, they named her Alma. She was the youngest of 6 siblings, four girls and two boys.

Alma grew up in South Carolina where she attended the Generoster School in Starr, South Carolina. Alma had a heart for God at a young age, Alma confessed faith in Christ at the age of 12. She united with Generostee Baptist Church.

On 1952 Alma along with 3 of her children moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Alma retained her love for God. Alma joined The Bibleway Church of God in Christ, under the pastorship of Dr. Abraham Isaac Jacob Swanson XII. Alma served the Church faithfully for nearly 80 years, until her health began to fail. Her love for service was in the position of the Nurses Guild, Choir and Sunday School. Alma’s greatest passion was serving as Church Secretary and attending to Pastor Swanson.

Mother Alma Burke breathed her last breath on this side of heaven on May 2, 2026 at 9:45 am. And we rejoiced that her next breath was as she looked into the face of our Savior Jesus Christ whom she worshipped and loved so dearly.

Alma was preceded in death by her husband James Burke; son: James Goss; her dear father and mother: Clarence and Ora Gillard’ four sisters: Lessiey, Ruby Nell, Mary Francis and Elizabeth; and two brothers: David and K. Arthur.

Alma leaves to cherish her memory of her children: Geraldine, Willie, Mary, Jeffery, Kenneth, Christopher, Wallace, Angela, and James Jr.; granddaughter; Tanya Jackson that she raised as her own. She leaves twenty grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren and she was blessed with two great-great-grandchildren. To God be the glory for such a rich and blessed heritage.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm, on Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati (45206). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, beginning at 3:00 pm. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind. TO VIEW SERVICE BY WEBCAM PLEASE CLICK HERE.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Burke family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Burke family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.