Earlier this week, the family of Winston-Salem City Council member and Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Vivian Burke announced her passing. She was first elected to the Winston-Salem City Council in 1977 and served as Mayor Pro Tem six times.

North Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Goodwin has released the following statement: 

“The North Carolina Democratic Party is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mayor Pro Tempore Dr. Vivian Burke. Dr. Burke was a trailblazer who served the city of Winston-Salem for four decades and became the longest serving elected official in the city’s history. We mourn with the entire Burke family but also celebrate the work of Dr. Burke and her commitment to serving her community.”