Vivian Burke, Longest Serving W-S Council Member, Dies At 85

Civic and civil rights leaders across the state are mourning the death of long-time Winston-Salem councilwoman Vivian Burke, who has died at 85 after a long political career that had just entered its sixth decade.

Burke was a Charlotte native who moved to Winston-Salem in 1957 along with her husband, Logan Burke. She began what would be a lengthy career in the local school system.

Burke won a seat on the city council in the late 1970s, while Logan Burke would go on to serve in the legislature. A son, Todd Burke, is a Forsyth County judge.

“Council Member Vivian Burke was a remarkable woman who leaves a legacy of accomplishment that shaped the city that is Winston-Salem today,” Mayor Allen Joines says. “Throughout her 43 years on the City Council, she was a tireless leader and advocate for equal rights and equal opportunities for all of our citizens.”

She was the longest-serving council member in Winston-Salem history and chaired the public safety committee for more than three decades. The city's public safety building is named for her.

During her time on the council, Burke was often involved in the intersection of civil rights and police work. She was among those who early on questioned the rape-and-murder investigation of Darryl Hunt, a case that divided the city along racial lines.

Hunt was convicted and spent almost 20 years in prison before being freed and exonerated.

Fellow Council Member Annette Scippio says she has memories of Burke as a teacher at 14th Street School and worshipping with her at Grace Presbyterian Church, where Burke was an elder.

“Council Member Burke was a force of power and love for the people of Winston-Salem,” Scippio says. “Passionate, committed, driven, a true public servant. Her wisdom and insight will be sorely missed.”

Burke announced last year that the current board term would be her last, saying she felt she had served long enough.

But the family political legacy continues. Her daughter-in-law Barbara Burke won the March Democratic primary to fill her seat, and she faces no Republican opposition.

“Her death leaves a void in our civic life that cannot be easily filled,” Joines says. “On behalf of all city employees and the citizens of Winston-Salem, I extend to her family my deepest sympathies.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.