Flora Neoma Burk was called home to be with her beloved children on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023 at the age of 90.
Though she arrived during the Great Depression, Neoma’s life was filled with a wealth of love and an abundance of cherished memories. Neoma, lover of birds and devoted caregiver, was born on November 30, 1932 in Coalgate, Oklahoma to farmers, Ulysses and Ruby Hearrell. In 1950 she married Judge William Burk with whom she raised two children in Van Alstyne, TX. A talented seamstress, she labored at L&L sewing factory for many years, and in her spare time, sewed bespoke garments for friends and family. Neoma also spent countless hours crocheting heirloom-quality items, her steadfast hands stitching love into every piece. She worked at Texas Instruments until retirement.
Faithful member of Elmont Baptist Church since 1950, Neoma served as her Sunday School class treasurer. That role included sending greeting cards to those in need of connection and acknowledgment. Always with a card on hand for any occasion, she remained a thoughtful card-giver for life.
As her plentiful Sunday dinners nourished bellies and hearts, Neoma passed down ingredients for a meaningful life: family connection, acceptance of life’s struggles, focusing on the good, and being in service to her community. Her playful spirit animated every moment.
Neoma provided tender care to more than her fair share of loved ones whose lives ended much too soon, and it is with great comfort to her family that she was in the care of her devoted granddaughters, their husbands, and her great-grandchildren for her final days.
Neoma is survived by grandchildren Elisha Bidwell and husband Steve, Kelly Hess and husband Gary, Amber Savage and husband Darrin and great-grandchildren Dylan, Angela, Logan, and Augie. She will be missed by siblings Wanda Stephens, Mary Lou Nickell, Flora Ann Fink, Charles Lee Hearrell, Annette Tolbert, Lissie Hearrell, Allen Hearrell, Penny Tolbert, and Kim Otis; and her dear nieces and nephews. Neoma also cherished her 73 year long friendship with Johnnie Vineyard.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ulysses and Ruby Hearrell; husband Judge William Burk; children Norma Gale Burk Tomberlin and William Ray Burk; sister Linda Davis; brothers Raymond Hearrell, Jerry Hearrell, Ronnie Hearrell, Wendell Hearrell, and Robert Hearrell, Jr.; and step-mother Sadie Hearrell.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you continue her legacy of sending heart-felt, hand-written cards to remind people they are loved. Pro-tip from Neoma: underline the most meaningful words for emphasis.
Visitation will be at 2:00 PM on Monday, May 22, 2023 at Scoggins Funeral Home in Van Alstyne, TX, and services will begin at 3:00 PM. Graveside following.