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Debbie Sue Burks was born on August 17, 1963 to the very proud parents, Otis and Erma Burks, Sr. in Monticello, AR. She departed this life on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff, AR. Debbie was the third of five children.
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.
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.