Florence Burke Wikle, lovingly known as Flo, was born on November 12, 1941, to Robert and Louise Holcomb Burke in the close-knit Habersham Mills community. On September 8th, she peacefully went to be with the Lord, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and encouragement that will forever be remembered by her family, friends, and community.
Flo was the beloved wife of the late Charles Wikle, and together they raised two sons, Bobby (Vanessa) and Barry. She was the proud grandmother of Tori Williams (Tanner), Tara Wikle, and Noah Wikle, and the adoring great-grandmother of Hayden, River, and Collins. She is also survived by her brothers, Dan (Peggy), Hugh (Hilda), and Lee (Carol) Burke, her sister-in-law, Anne Burke, and her brother-in-law, Don Appling. Flo was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; her sister, Ann Appling; and her brothers Ronald, Willard, and Bobby Burke.
A woman of steadfast dedication and servant leadership, Flo spent over twenty years with the U.S. Small Business Administration and also gave her time and talents to Hillside Memorial Chapel. She carried her love for community into public service as a Demorest City Councilwoman and as a member of the Tomochichi Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Flo’s deepest devotion, however, was to her beliefs. A faithful member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, she served in countless ways, most memorably through preparing Wednesday night dinners that nourished both body and spirit for her church family.
Those who knew Flo will remember her as the very picture of a Southern woman—gracious, cultured, and hospitable. Her home was always filled with warmth, her kitchen with the aroma of her remarkable cooking, and her life with books and conversations that reflected her keen mind. Yet, above all, she will be remembered for her sweet spirit, her unwavering convictions, and her extraordinary gift for encouraging those around her.
Her family wishes to express deep gratitude to the Northeast Georgia Hospice providers—Julie Bennett, Jamie Dills, Ajia Wilson, and Becky Hooper—for their tender care and compassion. And a special thanks to Sandra Ervin, Kathy Roberts, and Angel Martin, whose friendship modeled living reflections of Jesus—comforting, helping, and loving her to the very end.
In lieu of flowers, Flo requested that donations be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church, PO BOX 488, Clarkesville, GA 30523
A Celebration of Flo’s life will be held at Bethlehem Baptist Church on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 3:00 PM. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 2-3 PM.
An online guestbook is available for the family at HillsideMemorialChapel.com.
Arrangements are in the care and professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, Georgia.
