Madeline Jane Raikes

Madeline Jane Raikes, 62, of Lynchburg, Virginia went to her Heavenly Home on October 7th, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Bernard Burchett, Sr., and Margaret Burchett of Richmond, Virginia.

Madeline was born on March 21st, 1963 in Richmond, Virginia. She attended school at Fairmont Elementary School, and later pursued her own business as a bookkeeper.

She was a member of Thrive Church in Richmond, Virginia and loved to serve in the church's cafe serving coffee and loving on all those who stopped by for a cup on Sunday mornings. In addition to serving at her church, she loved to bake for her family and friends and had a special love for animals, especially her cats. In her younger years Madeline loved to sing Southern Gospel Music with her family traveling to different churches where her father, Bernard Burchett, would preach, her brother Danny would play guitar, and her brother "Junior" would play drums.

Madeline met her husband, Steven Carl Raikes, Sr., at one such concert at Wings of Faith Church around 1980. Steven says when he saw her he told his buddy who was with him, "The Lord told me I'm going to marry her!" And he did. Madeline and Steven were married on September 7th, 1985 in Ivanhoe, Virginia at Madeline's Grandparent's homeplace. They welcomed their sons Steven Carl Raikes, Jr. in 1986, and Jordan Lee Raikes in 1987, and enjoyed 40 years of marriage.

Madeline is survived by her husband Steven Carl Raikes, Sr., her children Steven Carl Raikes, Jr., and Jordan Lee Raikes (wife Candis Raikes), her siblings, Bernard "Junior" Burchett, Jr., Tammy Rickman, and Daniel "Danny" Burchett (wife Dana Burchett), and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Bernard Burchett, Sr. and Margaret Burchett, Madeline is preceded in death by her in-laws Cecil Raikes and Clara Raikes whom she loved dearly as second parents.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to funeral costs can be made to https://fundafamily.com/Donation.aspx?M=21828&C=56354 .

A graveside service will be held on October 10th, 2025 at 11am at Tree of Life Cemetery in Altavista, Virginia with Sam Knaus of First Southern Baptist Church of Hurt, Virginia officiating.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.