Frankie Burchette

Mary Frances “Frankie” Fair Burchette passed away on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at her home after a long battle with Alzheimer ’s disease. Frankie is survived by her husband Morris “Eugene” Burchette, two daughters and sons-in-law, Sheila and Steve Lowery and Shaunna and Trent Norton; grandchildren, Jared Lowery and wife Jessica Lowery, Kasidee Norton and Kobe Norton; two great-grandchildren Miles and Michael Lowery; sister Judy Miller and husband Jerry and sister Margaret Black and husband Tom; sister Shirley Fair and husband Robert as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Frankie was born June 4, 1941 in Chandler, OK to the late Joseph and Lillie (Simpson) Fair. Growing up Frankie lived in many places in Lincoln County and she attended many schools in the county. Frankie graduated from Meeker High School in 1959 and married Morris “Eugene” Burchette on July 4, 1959 at Horton Chapel Church of the Nazarene. They made rural Meeker their home and Frankie was active with events in both Meeker and Chandler. Frankie attended Forest Baptist Church most of her life and later joined Sparks First Baptist Church. She spent much time behind the scenes coordinating and serving during Vacation Bible School, Falls Creek and many events at both churches. She loved spending time with her church family and especially with the children. She was very humble in her actions towards these events. It was nothing for her to silently sponsor a child with providing church camp dues for children that would not have otherwise been able to attend. She would also spend late nights decorating and cleaning by herself to prepare for special events. Frankie was proud of her career with Oklahoma Department of Human Services in which she retired as a social worker after 32 years of full-time employment with many areas of the agency. After retirement Frankie continued working part-time with OKDHS for 22 years for Child Welfare as a receptionist and Case Aide, but the majority of her time was spent working with the LIHEAP program which assisted those that struggled with heating and cooling bills. Frankie also spent 20 plus years working for Parks Funeral Services where she was able to serve many families. Frankie had a heart of a servant by assisting many families and supported them through difficult financial struggles, grief and loss. Frankie was also proud member of the Chickamauga Cherokee Tribe and often traveled to the tribal land in Missouri. She spent many hours making quilts and items for other members and enjoyed time spent with them at annual events. Frankie and Eugene loved to travel and spent many summers and also in the fall traveling to visit family in Virginia. Virginia was home away from home for them. She loved sharing information with family that she had found through genealogy research. She loved cooking and was known for her famous homemade ice cream. She would be asked to provide one freezer full of ice cream and would go beyond that to make sure everyone had their favorite flavor. She loved Blue Grass and Gospel music. Frankie loved to sing and performed in many local shows including the Lincoln County Hayride where she prepared skits and acted on stage as the character “Daisy”. Frankie spent much of her spare time researching ancestry, genealogy and history. Frankie was known for her time spent searching records to assist families in finding their heritage. She authored many state and national historical society articles and was an active participant in publishing the Lincoln County History Book. While active and healthy Frankie volunteered at the Lincoln County Museum of Pioneer History and the Meeker Historical Museum. When touring both museums you will find items that Frankie donated that are linked to her family members. Frankie was often referred to as the “walking Lincoln County encyclopedia” as she knew many generations of families and historical events that took place in the area. She loved sharing the information even if it was with a perfect stranger. A graveside service will be held at Sunnyside “Pickett” Cemetery in Meeker, Oklahoma, at 11:00 AM, Monday, August 30, Online condolences can be made at www.parksbrothers.net. Care Services provided by Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler, Oklahoma. The family’s request that in lieu of flowers donations can be made “In Loving Memory of Frankie Burchette” to the Lincoln County Museum of Pioneer History 719 Manvel Avenue Chandler, OK 74834 or the Meeker Historical Society and Museum P.O. Box 560 Meeker, OK 74855.