Mary Annette Burkhalter

Mary Beckham-Burkhalter was born to the union of Grace Beckham-Barnes on the 6, of September 1946 in Cleveland, Ohio. She was the second oldest of 5 children. Mary Burkhalter was educated in the Cleveland Public School System. As part of her continuing education, Mary Burkhalter was amongst the first candidates to participate in what was then, the newly inaugurated Job Corps Program of Cleveland, Ohio.  This new program afforded Mary to study at Trade Technical College in Los Angeles, California in 1965. 

From her first union she had three children, they are Melvin (Chaim Levinson), Anthony, and Tamika Beckham of Cleveland, Ohio. 

In the year 1973 on Christmas Eve, Mary wedded Bernie Burkhalter of which four children were born.  They are Saniqua, Bernie, Bernita, and Donia Burkhalter all of Cleveland, Ohio. 

On Mother’s Day, 1981, Mary was baptized in Jesus’ Name, and received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost the following year. 

Known for her characteristically signature smile, Mary took her newfound faith very seriously, impacting all who met and knew her. She loved life and was the light of life everywhere she went.

Being the consummate and perpetual “Care Giver,” Mary propagated the “Good News” to whomever she encountered especially in the Nursing profession that she affectionately loved. 

During the life of Mary has been one of Sacrifice, Selflessness, Faith, Hope & Love.  After a series of physical setbacks, our dear Mother (though not willingly), succumbed to this life on the 11th of November 2022. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernie Burkhalter, and daughter Bernita Burkhalter. She leaves to mourn six children, Melvin (Chaim Levinson), Anthony, Tamika, Saniqua, Bernie Jr., and Donia all of Cleveland, Ohio. Also, grand, and great grandchildren, loving siblings, Robert Beckham, Vernell Douglass-Beckham, Sylvia Potete-Barnes, and Damon & Charlene Barnes, a great host of nieces and nephews and cousins, as well as the even greater community of the Household of Faith all which she dearly loved. 

Family and friends are welcome on Tuesday, November 28, 2022, from 11 a.m. until time of services at 12 p.m. at Slone & Co. Life Celebration Center 3556 W. 130th St. Cleveland, OH 44111.