Elaine Preston Burket

Published 5:46 pm Thursday, January 10, 2019

Elaine Preston Burket, 88, passed away Jan. 9, 2019. Elaine was born April 15, 1930 in Pennsylvania to the late Helen and Theodore Preston.  She was predeceased by her first husband, Willie J. Harrell Jr. (1970) and second husband, James Blair Burket (2000).  She retired from Continental Telephone Co. after 30 years of service.  In her earlier years she enjoyed painting classes, sewing and playing bingo.  She was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and Trinity United Methodist Church.  

She is survived by her daughter, Joan Harrell Cook and her son-in-law Billy; granddaughters, Emily Holliday, husband T.J. and their son Theo, and Ani Cook and her partner Peter Carr. Elaine was from a very large family of 14 siblings, eight of whom survive her. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 12, 1 p.m. at Little’s Funeral Home, Smithfield.  The family will receive friends immediately following the services at the funeral home.  Burial will be private in St. Luke’s Memorial Park.  The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Magnolia Manor and also to Debbie and the staff at Riverside Hospice for their wonderful care.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to American Legion Post 49, Ladies Auxilary, P O Box 211 Smithfield, VA 23431. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.