Marjorie Nell Burkhart

BURKHART, MARJORIE NELL BLAYLOCK, of Knoxville, born March 25, 1922 to Lattie McLain Blaylock and Mayme Lindsey Blaylock in Memphis, Tennessee, and died December 10, 2013, at Tennova Residential Hospice in Knoxville, Tennessee. Salutatorian of her high school class of 370 students, she graduated from Memphis Technical High School in 1940. After completing training at Memphis Business College, she worked as a civilian for a Memphis company that directed logistical supply for Army training camps during World War II. On November 20, 1943, she married John H. Burkhart of Knoxville, who was attending medical school at the University of Tennessee in Memphis, and they were married for over 60 years until his death in June of 2004. After completion of Dr. Burkhart’s training and his Army service in San Antonio, TX, they moved to Knoxville and made it their permanent home, where they lived in the same house for over 50 years and raised three sons who all became physicians. While her husband served in Occupied Japan, Marjorie worked for Southern Railroad. After his return, her support and hard work at home allowed her husband to pursue his many professional and civic leadership roles and enabled her sons to achieve their academic success. In addition to managing a home often filled with her sons and their friends, Marjorie taught Sunday school, served as President of the PTA at McCampbell Elementary School, and was a Den Mother for Cub Scouts. In her later years she was a proud member of The Friday Book Club, serving as President for two years, 1986-1988. Her sons never refused her cornbread, fried okra, or meatloaf. In the early 1960s her crabapple jelly, made from apples harvested from trees in her own back yard, won a blue ribbon at the Tennessee Valley A & I Fair. Marjorie was predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Auvergne Blaylock and L. M. Blaylock, Jr., and her husband John H. Burkhart, MD. She is survived by her sons John M. Burkhart, MD and wife Laura B. Powers, MD, Patrick H. Burkhart, MD and wife Fae Andrews Burkhart, and William L. Burkhart, MD and wife Jeannine Wadsworth Burkhart. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Sarah Burkhart, DPT; Thomas Burkhart; William Burkhart; Jessica Burkhart; Matthew Burkhart; James Burkhart; and John Burkhart. Interment will be private. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held at Second Presbyterian Church on Kingston Pike on Sunday, December 22, at 3 pm, followed by a reception in the church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Second Presbyterian Church, 2829 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee 37919, or to the Tennessee Medical Education Fund, Burkhart Scholarship, Tennessee Medical Association, 2301 21st Avenue South, Nashville, Tennessee, 37212, or to the charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank collectively all the friends and professionals who cared for Marjorie and made her happy and comfortable. Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel is assisting the Burkhart family. Online obituary may be viewed and condolences extended at www.rosemortuary.com.

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Marjorie Nell Burkhart

March 25, 1922 - December 10, 2013