Debbie was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Norman and Bernice Moore, and her paternal grandparents, Leroy Burks and Tommie Mae Batts. She was also preceded in death by a sister Tommie Jean Burks.
She confessed her faith in Christ at an early age at Chapel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Paul Everett, Sr. She was a faithful and hard working servant for God until her health failed her. Debbie's faith and belief in God was evident in her bright, beautiful smile and love for people.
Debbie attended Monticello High School and graduated in 1981. She worked at Leisure Lodge (The Woods) Nursing Home for 15 years. She would talk frequently about her enjoyment and relationship with her patients. They brought her as much joy to her life as she brought to theirs. The residents often spoke of her kindness and love she had for them.
Debbie leaves to cherish her memories her parents, Otis and Erma Burks, Sr. of Monticello; her children, Erica (Roy) of Dumas, Jawann (Ayana) of Pine Bluff, Tyler (Brandon), Korey, Torry, a grandson she raised as her son, Kendric, a special nephew she thought of as a son, all from Monticello; three siblings, Brenda (George) Welch of Mabelvale, Otis Jr. and Janice, both of Monticello; eight grandchildren, Mya, Terri Lynn, Montel, Makalia, Deshaun, Jason, Trayson, and Alana; three special childhood friends, Brenda, Michelle, and Valerie; special cousins, Rosilyn, Rachael, Tornia, Tammy, Lisa, Shelia, Marilyn, Jackie and Linda; godmother, Joyce Allen and godfather, Clarence Steel; a special extended family, The Gathen's; and a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends to whom she loved dearly.
Condolences(24)
Shante Daniels and sisters
Monticello, AR Saturday, January 26, 2013 We the Daniels family are so sorry for your loss, but God Gand an angel. We well keep you all in our prayers. And if you need us for anything please just call us.Tonnia Moore
McKinney, TX Tuesday, December 18, 2012 You will be missed! I love you cousin!!!LeAnne Byrd Colvin
Russellville, AR Tuesday, December 18, 2012 My sweet Debbie Burks. My sweet childhood friend. You are so special and will be missed by many. Love you so.LeAnne
Naomi Martin
Dermott, AR Monday, December 17, 2012 Our hearts feel sympathy for you. Our prayers go up for you.Our thoughts are with you.Jo Ann Trotter
Monticello, AR Monday, December 17, 2012 May God bless the entire family and may you find comfort.Marilyn E. Matthews
Little Rock, AR Sunday, December 16, 2012 Otis and Erma and family: You have my prayers in the loss of Debbie. May God continue to hold you in the palm of his hands as you go through this trial. I will remember you in my prayers.Sheila Lee
Monticello, AR Saturday, December 15, 2012 The Lord has called a real Angel Home. Now Cousin Debbie Burks is watching over us. Farewell I must say to my second mother and I will always miss you.Pam Leeper
Monticello, AR Saturday, December 15, 2012 My prayers go out to all of Debbie's family. Her loss will be felt by many. We need to treasure our memories!!!Debbie and I loved to share our love for the Lord together. We all enjoyed working with her. We hear about "Angels that are among us." She was an "Angel among all who knew her." Her faith and love for others was easy to see. God did Bless us all for knowing her. She was a dear wittness for us all. Love, Pam
Toni Perry
Wilmar, AR Saturday, December 15, 2012 God Knows Best.Everett Family
Monticello, AR Friday, December 14, 2012 Our prayers to the family from all of the Everett's.Pam Binns
Garfield Heights, OH Friday, December 14, 2012 My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength.Stephen and Mary Gragg
McGehee, AR Thursday, December 13, 2012 My heart goes out to the family. May God keep and bless you all through this difficult time. God is able. I love you all.Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. John 10:25
Ressa Lee
Dermott, AR Thursday, December 13, 2012 RIL Cousin Debbie! We love you!David McKinley
Little Rock, AR Thursday, December 13, 2012 My God with you all in these trying momentsMay God Bless all of you.
Marsha Pierce
Hampton, AR Thursday, December 13, 2012 GOD has another special Angel with him now. I know her beautiful smile, caring heart & soft voice will be missed. Comforting Prayers to all her family & friends.Rosie Trotter
Monticello, AR Thursday, December 13, 2012 We are deeply saddened by the loss of Ms.Debbie Burks & her smile will be deeply missed... The family is in our prayers...The Trotter Family...Brook Scott
Monticello, AR Thursday, December 13, 2012 My prayers are with u at this time.Sorry for your lossElaine Connard
Monticello, AR Wednesday, December 12, 2012 My love, thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.Barbara Benton
Warren, AR Wednesday, December 12, 2012 I was so sorry to hear about the death of Debbie. The last time I saw her at the Woods, she was all smiles. I never saw her without a smile on her face. It is my hope and prayer that her loved ones will cherish the memories that Debbie left behind. God bless you all.Barbara Benton
Stacy Spears
Monticello, AR Wednesday, December 12, 2012 I remember Miss Debbie from the hospital. Always had a smile, even when she felt bad. So sad to hear of her passing. God bless her family and God rest her sweet soul.Roberta Gardner
Wilmar, AR Wednesday, December 12, 2012 God's Love is abundant, His mercy is great, and His grace is sufficient. I have known Debbie most of my life and she ALWAYS had a smile on her face and a kind word to say. Her Faith in God was strong and she remained in His comforting care and held strong to His word. Heaven definitely gained an angel. She touched the lives of so many with her gentle loving spirit. To the Burks family, you are a praying and faith filled family. Continue to look to the hills. May God's love comfort you and give you strength. I love you all.Jean Ridgell Webb
kansas city, KS Wednesday, December 12, 2012 Prayer going out to Burks family.Bishop Sam Wherry
Monticello, AR Tuesday, December 11, 2012 The untimely death of Debbie Sue Burks of Monticello, Arkansas, leaves a tremendous void in the life of her Stellar and most promising Son Tory Burks of whom she loved and cherish with an agape love and faith he will excel in the NCAA Division 1 Basketball Collegiate level and a great Student Athlete. The last of her by her most loving and caring Parents, Otis & Erma Burks have committed themselves to fulfil this void with faith in God that Favor/Blessing will come to Tory. For Debbie, Death is not a Blind Alley that has lead her into a State of Nothingness, but an open door that leads her into Eternal Life, because she loved God in Jesus Name.Pam Hoskins
Banks, AR Tuesday, December 11, 2012 Dear Family and Friends, i thought the world of Debbie. She was a wonderful CNA at THe Woods of Monticello. Heaven gained an angel today.Love Pam Hoskins