We are sad to announce the passing of Mrs. Dorothy Laverne (Wilkey) Burkett, 86, of Grand Rapids, MI, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at her residence. Dotty was born January 26, 1939, in Paducah, KY to Markey and Laverne (Edmonds) Wilkey. On April 10, 1959, Dotty married Army Lt. Charles Lee Burkett in Fort Knox, KY.
She graduated as a Registered Nurse from Louisville General Hospital, School of Nursing—affiliated with the University of Louisville—in September 1959. Over her distinguished nursing career, she worked as a Hospital Staff Nurse on the Medical Floor, Surgical Floor and Intensive Care Unit; an Office Nurse; and a Hospital House Supervisor. Her great compassion, boundless energy, and attention to detail proved a great blessing to many who were touched by her life and work.
Dotty was preceded in death by her loving husband Chuck and her brother Rev. Gordon (Amy) Wilkey.
Dotty is survived by her children, Kevin (Lisa) Burkett of Dacula, GA, Kurt (Debbie) Burkett of West Bloomfield, MI, and Kelly (Brad) Nickel of Alto, MI; six grandchildren, Nancy (Wyatt) Taliaferro, Jack, Michael, and Matthew Burkett, Brianne and Brenna Nickel; her brothers, Jerry (Judy), Dennis (Janie) and Tommy (Theresa) Wilkey and sister, Joyce (Louis) Ramirez.
Post retirement, Dotty and Chuck enjoyed many years of travel and fine dining. She was an avid sports fan, especially college basketball. She loved setting holiday-themed tables, sharing meals with family and friends, and enjoyed warm weather, sunshine, and chocolate.
Though we will miss her, we are blessed to have many wonderful memories of her and of a life well lived.
A Celebration of Life is planned for 11am on Monday, July 28, 2025, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, with visitation one hour prior. Chaplain Than Johnson officiating. Interment Findlay Cemetery.