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.