Courtlan Reginale Burke

Courtlan Reginale Burke was born on May 5, 1976, in St. Louis, Missouri to Diane Patricia Jones and Kenneth Michael Burke. Due to an unfortunate occurrence on June 2 nd , 1977, Courtlan lost his ability to walk, talk, and eventually to eat without being tube fed. Nevertheless, Courtlan's spirit continued to shine brightly as seen in his beautiful smile and heard in his distinct laugh! Courtlan attended Graduated with high school diploma from Dielman School, Special School District Olivette Missouri. Courtlan moved to Pony Bird in Mapaville Missouri on August 26, 2008. Prior to moving to Pony Bird, he lived at South County Rehabilitation Center. Courtlan's family would visit, video call, and made sure he was able to attend his twin brother Courtney's wedding. Every picture of Courtlan with his family he was always smiling that huge Courtlan smile! Courtlan thrived in his new home, and loved his housemates and the staff who became his friends and "village family". Courtlan had a vivacious personality, loved jokes and lively interactions. He laughed heartily and frequently had a huge smile on his face, unless he was in discomfort. He was easily engaged and loved to be the center of attention and the life of the party. Courtlan, you were loved so much by your family, and by all of your cousins, and all who knew you! Courtlan is survived by his parents Sharaya (Diana), Keni (Kenneth), his step-father Ronald, his grandmother Betty Burke (93years old), and his maternal siblings Courtney Reginale Burke, twin brother, Johanna Pimentel, Kyla Kezia Lewis, Uri Jordan Lewis, and his paternal siblings Aasiya Burke, Osaze Burke, Kenneth Burke, Jr., Brieana Burke, and many extended relatives and family friends, including a host of Pony Bird friends who had the privilege of knowing and caring for him. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Willie Earl Jones and Lenora Mae Jones, his paternal grandfather Clarence Burke, Sr., and his uncles Reginald Jones, Clarence Burke, Cubie Burke and Terry Burke. Special words of love sent to Courtlan: To Courtlan Burke from your baby sis Johanna Pimentel, Courtlan was the oldest of my twin brothers. It's easy to see he was tough and built to endure the most from birth throughout life, when I hear Courtney and my mom expressing it, I think it is the only conclusion. All I know now is he was my oldest protector in life, so I was so happy to bring my sons to meet you and you were so glad too when I put Eli on your lap, and you glazed at him with smiles and laughter. It is then when I knew you that you knew your nephews Tyler & Eli who look after and protect me just like you did for me, and I now graciously do for you. Oh, and Courtlan don't fret for us because I made sure all my students know how to protect people like you at school. When I think of my last lovely final memories, I thank God he made me strong enough to watch you saddle up at Pony Bird and fly away. To Courtlan from your sis Kyla Lewis, There is no way to ever forget the beauty and joy of Courtlan's smile, laugh, and aura. He always had a way to brighten up the worst of days by just seeing and hearing it. He was more than an angel on earth. He also seemed to have an old soul that had already been here. Despite any limitations this life may have thrown at him early on in life, he endured it, and lived it with joy, as if they were not even existing. And he showed me how I can be brave and courageous in my own life with his ability to always stay happy and strong and glowing, despite his condition. He left an everlasting impression on all who ever met him. And the world could never be ready for such a beautiful soul. Therefore, he returns home to join those like him, God, and the heavenly angels. And with a new, heavenly body he so deserves. And now he is even more limitless than he was on this earth. He will forever be missed, but never forgotten, and forever loved - my oldest brother Courtlan Burke. Remembering Courtlan by Kimberly Teen, cousin, What do you think about when you see a rainbow? According to Rev.4.3, God used the Rainbow to communicate and Christ returns glory and make all things new. Courtlan was my/our everyday Rainbow. To see him smile or to hear him laugh was as close to PURE as most of us will ever experience. What delays a baseball game? Rain, and the first thing most of us look for after the rain is the Rainbow. If you know anything about our family, we are watching the Cardinals play. The Cardinals blood runs deep in our bloodline. But when you think of sports, you reminisce and feel the players on the field and all the excitement surrounding the game. Courlan played the sport of life . . . and life is a contact sport; love alone does not unite people; you have to pay attention to the Rainbows Christ is showing you daily. Courtlan's smile and laugh were our Rainbow. have to rain to see the glory of joy that God instilled in Courtlan. To my baby, my little cousin, you taught me to appreciate all Rainbows that God allows me to see, feel, and love. I pray you are celebrating the reunion with Granny and Grandpa. I love you so much; let the semicolon represent the continuation of Courtlan's life - it doesnt end here! My sincerest Thank You to the staff of Pony Bird for taking care of my heart.

Courtlan Reginale Burke

May 5, 1976 - May 24, 2023