Judy Burke, First Lady, Shriners International 2024-2025

I was born in the small town of Cleveland, Tennessee. My dad was a minister. Growing up, we moved from community to community. This was hard, but I attribute my love of people to the necessity of having to establish new relationships in each new area. As the preacher’s child, I of course was sheltered. I knew I was deeply loved by my parents, who always had my best interest at heart. My upbringing instilled in me respect, love and an appreciation for life, along with the importance of extending a helping hand to those in need.

I was married directly after graduating high school. I became a mom a couple of years later. I am blessed to have three amazing children, two girls and a boy. They have blessed us with eight wonderful grandchildren, each adding love, pride and joy to our lives through their accomplishments and affectionate gestures.

I became a single mom when my girls were in high school. It was a very hard time in my life, but my precious children pulled me through.

I had no idea what was ahead for me. Unbeknownst to me, God had a special person in store to accompany me through the rest of my journey. Richard entered my life, and a little over a year later, we exchanged vows. Initially hesitant, I reached out, struck by his seemingly flawless nature. To my delight, he surpassed and continues to exceed all my expectations, confirming he was indeed the one I had hoped for. He is a wonderful husband, father and grandfather to us. We have been married for 31 years.

During my single mom years, I began a career in dentistry, working in many aspects of the field for 11 years. After our oldest daughter gave birth to our first grandchild, I retired to help.

Three years later, tragedy struck our family, altering the course of our lives significantly. It forever changed the directions our lives were taking. It also introduced to the Shriners organizations. Richard began his Shriners journey, and together we have dedicated our lives to the worlds’ greatest philanthropy, Shriners Children’s.

My daughter and I both recognized we needed a new direction. We opened a design store and company, and I have been working as a designer since we made that choice.

Our family has been very supportive. God has blessed us with an amazing biological family as well as our wonderful Shriners family! Life has had its twists and turns, but it has landed us here in this amazing place and time. Nothing could have been more rewarding and fulfilling for us.

Thank you for the opportunity to experience the amazing fellowship and philanthropy of Shriners. Richard and I appreciate and love you all.

— Judy Burke, First Lady, Shriners International