Willidean Burke DePriest

Ms. Willidean Burke DePriest was born in Norman, Oklahoma on March 7, 1934 to the late Vernon Burke and Cleo Rainbolt Burke.  She passed away peacefully on Feb. 26, 2026 at Three Rivers hospital in Waverly, Tennessee.  Willidean was married to Mr. Carrol DePriest for nearly 70 years when he passed away in April of 2025.  Together they shared a lifetime full of travel, love, and many adventures, living in a number of states while Carrol was in the Air Force and when he worked on the "pipeline".  They settled in Crossville, Tennessee where they raised their daughter Jackie and Carrol worked for the Federal Aviation Agency.  Willidean was a devoted wife and mother and worked some as a LPN  and later as a real estate agent.  After Carrol's retirement, they returned to their hometown of Lobelville to make their home and care for Carrol's mother, Ms. Lillie DePriest.  

Willidean was an avid collector of beautiful glassware and antiques.  She loved going to auctions, yard sales and Estate sales and always enjoyed showing everyone her collections and sharing her knowledge of her items.  Willidean's greatest pleasure throughout her life was her family.  She certainly lived a long and fulfilling life and will be greatly missed those who loved and knew her.

In addition to her parents Vernon and Cleo Burke, she was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years Carrol DePriest; her brother Jackie W (JW) Burke; her sister in law, Betty Burke Patton; and her in laws, Graydon and Lillie DePriest.

Family members left to cherish her memory, daughter Jackie (Steve) Reece of Crossville, TN; grandson Stephen (Aelise) Reece of Knoxville, TN; granddaughters Candace (David) Keith and Morgan Reece both of Dunlap, TN.   She leaves 12 greatgrandchildren, and nephews Jeff (Amy) Burke, Chris (Pam) Burke, and Richard (Eileen) Kee; nieces Carolyn (Stan) Smith, Linda (Rich) Vaughan, Betty (Sammy) Birdwell and Pat Pearse. 

The family would like to thank everyone who has called, came by and sent prayers.  Special thanks to Miriam Richardson and Anita Moran for their unwavering support during this difficult time. 

Graveside funeral services for Ms. DePriest will be held Wednesday March 4, 2026 at 1 PM, in the DePriest Cemetery, on Duncan's Circle in Lobelville. Young Funeral Home 931-589-3033.

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