Amy Jo King Burks passed away November 26, 2024, after a brief illness. Prior to her death, she lived in Decatur for many years where she and her family moved in 1972. She joined Covenant Presbyterian Church (now Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church) in Decatur.
Amy was born May 19, 1934, in Madison County, Alabama to Ames and Nola King. She attended the University of Alabama (she was a proud Roll Tide fan all her life) and Athens State College for undergraduate study. She later earned her Master’s degree in School
Administration from Alabama A&M University.
Amy spent 22 years in public education as a classroom teacher and administrator. She then worked as a lobbyist and organizer for the Alabama Education Association for 14 years. Her passion for education was matched only by her activism in Alabama and National politics.
Amy was a member of the Morgan County Democratic party for over 30 years, serving eight as Chair. She also served on the State Committee for more than 20 years and was elected Vice Chair of the Alabama Democratic Party in 1992 – a position she held for 16 years.
Amy attended nine Democratic National Conventions and coordinated the North Alabama Clinton-Gore campaigns in both 1992 and 1996. She campaigned for countless Democratic candidates at the local, state and federal levels. She served on the Executive Committee of the Democratic National Party for over a decade, helping choose the city sites for many Democratic National Conventions.
Amy’s community and civic contributions are numerous and include serving on the National Education Association President’s Advisory Council. She was named President of the AEA Association of Classroom Teachers and as Legislative Chair of the Decatur Chapter of Business and Professional Women of Alabama. Amy also served on Morgan County’s Mental Health Association Board of Directors. Her honors include Athens State College Alumnus of the Year and being appointed by the governor for a six- year term on the Board of Trustees of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind.
Amy’s husband, Larry, who was also an educator, coach and principal, preceded her in death in 2015. They were married 58 years at the time of his death.
Amy is survived by daughters, Lisa Burks Berger (James) and Jo Lynn Burks; sister, Betty King Stogner (Thomas); grandchildren, Clay Berger and Madison Berger-Reed (Austin); and numerous nieces and nephews.
On her 90th birthday, Amy’s family established the “Larry and Amy Burks Distinguished Scholarship” benefitting education students at Athens State University. Memorials in her name can be donated to the scholarship at: Athens State University Foundation, PO Box 70, Athens, AL 35612.
Visitation will be held at Shelton Funeral Home, 2105 Beltline Road S.W., Decatur, AL 35601 on Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Celebration of Life Services will also be held at Shelton Funeral Home on Saturday, November 30, 2024, commencing at 11:00 AM. Burial will immediately follow at Shady Grove Community Church Cemetery, 11044 Wall Triana Highway, Toney, AL 35773.
Pallbearers to serve are Clay Berger, Tommy Stogner, Kevin Worley, Lucas Worley, James David Gibson, Richard Burks, Hunter Gibson and Cody Elliott.
Honorary Pallbearers are Alta Brown, Mary Lou Boyle, Carol Cooper, Jim Cooper, Marsella Weems, Betty Matthews, Bobbie Meier, and Ernestine Elliott.
All attendees are encouraged to wear a touch of RED – her favorite color – in honor of Amy.
