Pearlene Annette Burke

Pearlene Annetta Burke, the daughter of Willie and Rosetta Saunders, was born on February 23, 1934 in Des Moines, Iowa. Pearlene began her education in the Des Moines Public School system. She left school early to work and help the family with expenses. She would eventually obtain her GED.

At an early age, Pearlene confessed Christ and became a dedicated member of Kyles AME Zion Church. She held various positions at church, serving as choir director, church secretary, and part of the kitchen staff.

Pearlene worked for Oakridge Neighborhood as a dispatcher, and as a foster grandparent at Woodward State Hospital and Moulton Elementary School. She also worked as a waitress and bartender at the CP Club on old Center Street. When she wasnt working Pearlene enjoyed watching westerns on TV, old school country music and watching her San Antonio Spurs or Pittsburg Steelers play. She was a great cook and once cooked all the food for a church convention by herself! Pearlene was the founder of the Des Moines Chapter of the Knights of Pythias, Order of Calanthe, Samaria Court #9. She held two positions as the worthy Counselor and Orator.

In the early 50s Pearlene was married to MSgt. Ervin Jack Nichols. She had two sons, Danny and Derrick. Later Pearlene would marry Donald Burke and acquire a daughter, Lisa Lin from this union. After Donald s death she moved to Portland, near her son, Derrick.

September 28, 2017, Pearlene answered the Masters call to rest . She was 83 years old. Preceding her in death were her husbands, Ervin Nichols and Donald Burke; her son, Danny M Nichols; her parents; and siblings, Barbara J Barnes, Billy saunders, Dewey Saunders and Donald L. Johnson, and A long time close family member, George Brooks (lovingly known as "Grandpa Brooks".

Left to celebrate Pearlenes love for life are her son, Pastor R. Derrick Nichols; grandchildren, Brandi Nichols, Felicia Nichols, Lily Nichols and Mario Martinez; her great grandchildren, DeJah Nichols and Asjha Johnson; her sisters, Maxine Long and LaQueta Murphy and her daughter in law, Paulette Taylor along with many extended family and friends. Visitation









Friday, October 13, 2017

10:00am - 5:00pm









Bethel A.M.E.

Homegoing Celebration









Saturday, October 14, 2017

Starts at 11:00am









Henderson's Highland Park Funeral Home

Graveside Service









Saturday, October 14, 2017

Starts at 1:00pm









Kyles A.M.E. Zion Church