At her home on Sunday, December 17, 2023, Gwendolyn Regina Westbrook Burkhalter, 84 years old, of Eastman, GA, gently went away. Brother Chuck Simpson will officiate the funeral services at Southerland Funeral Chapel on Friday, December 22, at 1:00 PM, in celebration of her life. Friendship Baptist Church on China Hill will conduct the funeral services. Regina, as she was lovingly called, was born in 1939 in Colquitt, Georgia, and she was a Holiness believer all her life.
As a student, she was a proud graduate of Bartow High School in Bartow, Florida. She spent almost 20 years working at Ben Hill Griffin Nursery in Frostproof, FL, before moving to Milan, GA, as part of her career. Regina was an exceptionally strong and kind woman who was a rock for her family and helped raise seven children. As a wife, mother, grandma, sister, and aunt, she gave her all. Simple pleasures, like fishing, canning, and most importantly, spending time with her family, brought Regina delight.
Reading the Bible every day was an indication of her steadfast faith. John M. Burkhalter, Sr., Regina’s husband, died before her three children—Gwendolyn Kirkland, Billy Conners, and Wayne Burkhalter—and three siblings—Fletcher, Eli, and David Westbrook. In addition to her two sons, Michael Burkhalter (Tobbie) of Eastman and Marty Conners (Linda) of Avon Park, Florida, she is survived by two daughters, Maria Kersey (George) of Wauchula, Florida, and Sherry Miller (Jimmy) of Central City, Pennsylvania.
The love she shares with her fifteen grandkids, thirty-three great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren is a lasting testament to Regina’s legacy. Sister Virginia Gibbons (Bob) of Lake City, Florida, and two sisters-in-law, Jan and Judy Westbrook, are also left to mourn her passing. Regina also has several nieces and nephews who remember her with fondness. On Friday, December 22, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, friends and family are welcome to visit the family at Southerland Funeral Chapel.
Michael Burkhalter’s home at 1266 Middle Ground Church Rd., Eastman, GA is the appropriate place for friends and family to send condolences.
The family would really appreciate it if, instead of flowers, you could contact Michael and Tobbie Burkhalter at 478-609-4947 to make a gift. Regina Westbrook Burkhalter’s courage, love, and impact on those lucky enough to have known her will go on forever. She deserves to be at peace forever.
