Lillie Burke

        Like her sister, Beulah, Lillie Burke was a founder of Alpha Kappa 
Alpha Sorority.  She was a serious and studious young woman who was more 
reserved than her sister.  Lillie Burke was born in Hertford, North Carolina,
where she attended elementary and high school ,with her sister.  She entered 
the preparatory department of Howard University in 1900 and graduated from 
the College of Arts and Sciences with a B.A. degree in English in 1908.  
She completed graduate courses at the University of Pennsylvania.
        Ms. Burke attended all preliminary meetings of the proposed sorority 
and worked with her sister in formulating the motto of Alpha Kappa Alpha 
Sorority Both young women were accomplished Greek scholars.
        Her first teaching assignment was in Downington, Pennsylvania, where 
she was head of the academic department of Downing Institute.  Three years 
later in 191 1, she moved to North Carolina to teach English at the State 
Normal School in Fayetteville.
        In 1912, she returned to Washington to begin a long career in the 
public school system.  Her last teaching assignment was at the Garnet 
Patterson Junior High School.
        While in Washington, she helped to organize Xi Omega Chapter in 1923.
She was always available as a consultant to the chapter basilei, and her 
contribution was valuable in the routine functioning of the chapter.  She 
remained an active member of the sorority until her death.
        She was a faithful and devoted member of Berean Baptist Church.  
She liked flowers and could be depended upon to provide lovely floral 
arrangements in season.  Her failing eyesight prevented her from fully 
participating in civic activities.
        Lillie Burke lived and worked in Washington, D.C. until her death on 
December 16, 1949.