Jessie "Jay" Burchell of South Bend, died Thursday May 19, 2011. "Jay possessed a delicious sense of humor. Far younger than her years, she was often asked her age. She would quip, "You''ll find out in my obituary." For the record, she was born in the twentieth century A faithful and spirited wife and mother, her earlier activities included Cub Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout Troop Leader; as well as co-founder & charter member of the Clay United Methodist Church. Jay remained an advocate and closet philanthropist'' for those in need. While her primary passions were devotion to her family, faith and dear friends, nature came in a close second. She loved the ocean, a WWII Victory Garden'' converted to a flower garden, butterflies & birds - with a particular fondness for hummingbirds. As an accomplished china painter, her infatuation with nature was mirrored in her choice of subject matter for her art. Jay is survived by her son, William Burchell, Jr. (a.k.a. Captain Whalen Plankton III) who also shares her love of the sea and sense of whimsy, as well as her beloved niece, Linda Matthais. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the homeless or battered women''s shelters, or donations towards establishing senior transportation to Clay Church services & activities." Funeral Services 3:00 Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at Clay United Methodist Church, 52866 Ironwood Road, South Bend. Friends may call Monday 2-4pm at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy. Burial in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. "For ease and simplicity in ordering sympathy floral arrangements online, from the comfort and convenience of your home or office, please visit our website at http://www.memorygardensfloral.com/. Numerous photographs for you to browse and a price range for every budget. This is a local floral ordering service and is under the complete direction and supervision of the staff at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home."