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Donna Sue (Broyles) Burdine of Somerset, Kentucky passed away on February 16, 2025 at the age of 87 years old. She was the daughter of the late William Blanford Broyles and Ada (Goff) Broyles of Science Hill. She was married to her husband, James Orwin Burdine in 1957. They had two sons, James Timothy Burdine, who preceded her in death and Richard Lee Burdine of Niceville, Florida.
Donna was a woman whose heart overflowed with love for her family. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She also shared a deep bond with her many brothers and sisters, celebrating and embracing the unique personalities that made each of them special.
Donna found happiness in the beauty of flowers and being outdoors. She loved reading her Bible and listening to hymns. In addition to her devotion to scripture, Donna had a passion for reading and was rarely without a book in hand.
Donna had a gift for conversation and cherished connecting with others—whether in person or on the phone, where her calls often turned into hours-long chats filled with stories. Her stubborn streak and playful teasing and humor were part of her charm, but above all, you always knew how deeply she cared.
Mrs. Burdine was the Co-Founder of Cardinal Printing and Editor of the Observer Newspaper, with her husband James Orwin Burdine. Prior to founding the printing shop and newspaper, she served as secretary at Pearson Trapp Contractors of Lexington, Somerset Refinery, and Humble Oil Company of Somerset. After selling their business, Mrs. Burdine worked for the Christian Appalachian Project in Lancaster, as a Planned Giving Administrator.
Mrs. Burdine is survived by her son Richard Burdine and his wife Cathy C. Burdine, three grandchildren: Ashley C. Smith (Tampa, FL), William “Grant” Burdine (Charleston, SC), and Anna Catherine Burdine (Freeport, FL) and six great grandchildren. Her daughter-in-law, Jana (Burdine) Gastineau and two grandchildren: Heather Nicole (Burdine) Kidd (Nicholasville) and Brittany Marie (Burdine) Wilson (Somerset) and 4 great grandchildren.
Mrs. Burdine is survived by two brothers and a sister: James M. Broyles (Lexington), Harry A. Broyles (Lexington), and Jerry Rae (Broyles) Dick (Science Hill).
Mrs. Burdine was preceded in death by her husband, James O. Burdine and her son James Timothy Burdine of Somerset. In addition, she was preceded in death by a great granddaughter, Lily Kate Hutchison of Freeport, FL and twin great grandsons, Benjamin Timothy and David Andrew Wilson of Somerset, KY, and a great grandson, Tucker Orwin Burdine of Charleston, SC.
Mrs. Burdine was preceded in death by four sisters and three brothers: Angie E. Broyles, Estella L. (Broyles) Gallenstein, William B. (Jack) Broyles, Jo Ann (Broyles) Vaught, Betty Mae (Broyles) Stockdale, Cloyd D. (Buddy) Broyles, and Hollis “Brent” Broyles.
A graveside service was held at the mausoleum at Lakeside Memorial Garden at 2:00 PM on February 22, 2025. Services were presided over by Brother Sam Crawford along with the immediate family and guests. To honor Donna Sue Burdine, the family requests that donations be made in her name to St. Jude’s Children Hospital.
Southern Oaks Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements for Donna Sue (Broyles) Burdine.