Elder Julia Mae Burks was born November 16, 1927 in Madison, Alabama to the late Mrs. Ophelia Rice Houston and the late Reverend Harper Franklin. God called Mother to her eternal rest on Monday, May 7 2018. God honored her request to quietly sleep away.
She confessed hope in Christ at an early age and joined Moses Chapel Primitive Baptist (PB) Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Joe Pendleton, where she served faithfully as Vice President of the Mother’s Board, President of the Sisters’ Aid Society, a member of the Senior Choir, Moses Chapel Volunteer Choir and often served as a Delegate at Mallard Creek Primitive Baptist Association. After accepting her Calling into the ministry, Elder Burks united with the Huntsville Presbytery where she was licensed and ordained. She furthered her religious studies through classes offered by Huntsville Presbytery and pursued a Certificate in Religious Studies at Athens State College. As with the prodigal son, Elder Burks followed her heart’s desire and returned to Moses Chapel PB Church where she remained a faithful member. She was a dedicated member of Glittering Star #94 Order of Eastern Star.
Elder Burks preached throughout Limestone, Madison, and Morgan counties. She was very active in her community. She was a member of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). She established a jailhouse ministry with the late Elder Julia Harris and Evangelist Elizabeth Jackson. She sang in several gospel community choirs and was always willing to be a witness for the Lord to anyone willing to listen. Her hobbies included fishing, gardening, quilting, canning and sewing. She chose a career in food service and retired from Sweet Sue Kitchens, Inc. She was a Godly woman who loved to talk about the Lord and share her blessings with everyone. Whenever anyone would visit she would always have a meal to offer to her guest. Her boisterous personality, sharp wit, quick sense of humor and her eagerness to share the Word will be missed by all who knew her.
She was united in holy matrimony for 62 years to the late Mr. Allen Walker Burks, Sr. To this union they were blessed with seven children.
She was preceded in death by her devoted husband: Mr. Allen Walker Burks, Sr; four sisters: Ms. Johnnie Mae Williams, Minister Sarah Houston, Ms. Lucy Franklin and Mrs. Marcella Brice; three brothers: Pastor James Isaac Houston, Pastor Frank Franklin, and Mr. Charles Franklin; and one grandson: Mr. Johnny Jenkins.
Cherishing her memories are: four daughters: Ms. Mary Burks, Mrs. Daisy Harvell, both of Athens, AL, Ms. Floras Burks of Madison, AL and Dr. Joyce Burks (Douglas Van Dunk Jr.) of Upper Marlboro, MD; three sons: Mr. Allen Walker Burks, Jr. (Marie) of Huntsville, AL, Minister John Burks and Mr. David Burks, both of Athens, AL; four sisters: Mrs. Bobbie Ayers of Decatur, AL, Mrs. Viletta Sims of Athens, AL, Ms. Berniece Houston and Mrs. Hazel Surles, both of Huntsville, AL; four brothers: Reverend Dr. George Franklin (Johnnie), Reverend Edward Franklin (Doris), both of Decatur, AL, Mr. Major Houston and Mr. Wallace Houston both of Huntsville, AL; five grandchildren: Ms. Karen Burks, Ms. Teresa Burks, Mr. Tyrone Burks, Ms. Demetria Harvell and Ms. Cassandra Burks; two great-grandchildren: Michael Ray Crutcher Jr., and Antonio Rogers Jr.; special extended daughter relationships: Mrs. Sonya Fultz (Curtis) and Mrs. Janice Anderson (Abraham); a special devoted nephew: Mr. Carter Franklin; special prayer partners: Minister Geneva Benford, Pastor & Mother Outlaw, Mrs. Ollye Ward, Mrs. Hayden, and Evangelist Elizabeth Jackson; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Sunday, May 13, 2018 at the Moses Chapel Primitive Baptist Church (372 Moses Chapel Road, Madison, Alabama 35758) with Pastor Joe Hereford officiating. Interment will be in the Madison Memory Garden, Madison, Alabama. Elder Burks will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
Public viewing will be 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m. Saturday, May 12, 2018 and from 8:30 until 9:30 Sunday, May 13, 2018 at the Royal Funeral Home.
The Burks Family will receive guest from 6:00 p.,. until 7:00 p.m. Saturday, May 12, 2018 at the Royal Chapel of Memories.
