Karen Sherisse Burke

Karen Sherise Burke, 66, of Fayetteville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

Karen was born on April 21, 1960, in Cumberland County. She graduated from Pine Forest High School in 1978 and went on to earn her degree in Special Education from East Carolina University.

Karen had a genuine love for children, and that love was returned by the many students whose lives she touched. She dedicated 30 years to the Cumberland County School System, retiring after a fulfilling career as a Special Education teacher at T.C. Berrian Elementary School. Her compassion, patience, and devotion to her students made a lasting difference in the lives of many children and their families.

Outside of teaching, Karen enjoyed working as a lifeguard at Green Valley Country Club and the Moose Lodge. She loved the outdoors and especially cherished her time at the beach. In her younger years, she could often be found riding the waves on her surfboard, embracing the freedom and joy she found in the water.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, Dwight Burke; her mother, Carolyn Deaver Burke Herndon; her brother, Milton Burke; and her bonus mother, Dorothy Sullivan.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her fiancé, Eddie Sullivan; aunts, Ruth Ann Deaver, Margie Burke, and Clara Matthews; along with several cousins and many dear friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, in the Chapel at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home.

Funeral services are entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, N.C. 28301.

Online condolences may be made at www.jerniganwarren.com.

Karen will be remembered for her love of children, her dedication to those she taught, her adventurous spirit, and the kindness she shared with the many people fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, former students, and all whose lives she touched.