Ms. Delores Tonett Burkhalter, in her 63rd year, surrendered her soul to Jesus on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 from Muskogee, Oklahoma.

On Monday October 28th, 1957 Warnett and Shirley (Breedlove) Burkhalter welcomed their first and only daughter. She was given the name Delores Tonett Burkhalter. Delores, also known as "Dede," was the leader of the pack, adored by her father, and the apple of her mother's eye.

Dede received her formal education in Minneapolis, MN until the family relocated to Muskogee, Oklahoma. A 1976 graduate of Muskogee High School, she then attended North Eastern University, and later Bacone; where she completed an Associate's Degree.

Enlisting in the United States Army in 1978, she later served with the Army Reserves faithfully. Civilian life included working as a school bus driver, cook, and finally carnival operator; traveling the Kansas region until her retirement.

A friend to many, most mornings you could find her having coffee with Dorothy Carter. Dede was known to be the "life of the party!" She loved having a good time and never met a stranger. A devoted grandmother, Dede loved speaking of her grandkids and the joy they brought her.
She joined The Gate Church in Muskogee where she was a faithful member until her health declined.

Her mother, father, stepfather, and brother Darrell preceded her in death to welcome her home with the Lord.
Sons David (Garland, TX) and Chadwic (Muskogee), Daughters Tasha (Muskogee), Andreka – Virgil  (Muskogee), Shemika (Lewisville TX), are left to cherish and carry her memory along with her brothers Dwayne (Muskogee) and Ricky (Minneapolis, Minnesota) and sister Tonette Stanford (Wichita, KS).  10 grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunties, uncles, and cousins of the Breedlove and Burkhalter families will also carry Dede's memory.

A Memorial Ceremony celebrating Ms. Burkhalter's life will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 10:00 AM. Dr. Marlon J. Coleman, Pastor of Antioch Temple, will officiate.