of Searcy, AR

April 22, 1943 - July 10, 2024

Leah Ann Gentry Burks received her eternal reward on July 10, 2024. She was born on April 22, 1943 in St. Louis, MO to Milburn and Walsie Gentry. Their family moved to Alhambra, IL where her father became a farmer in addition to being a mechanic. The family did not have much, so they lived off the land and sewed their own clothes. However, she said she never knew she was poor and was content with life as she knew it. It was on the farm where she learned her strong work ethic by working the fields from morning until night. She also cultivated a love for animals and for God's beautiful creation, especially flowers and gardens. Throughout her life, she always maintained a beautiful yard adorned with all types of flowers and plants.

In 1961, Leah boarded a train bound for Harding College. It was there she met her future husband, David Burks, while serving as queen for his social club. She graduated in 1965 with a degree in English and art, married in August and moved to Austin, TX where David went to graduate school. They returned to Searcy in 1967 when David began teaching for Harding University. Leah taught English at Bradford and White County Central, and Art at Harding Academy for several years before becoming a stay-at-home mother.

When David became the president of Harding University in 1987, she served graciously as first lady for almost 28 years. She was an incredible support and encouragement to her husband in this demanding and public role. She hosted guests in her home from all over the world including many international world leaders and dignitaries. They traveled to 81 countries of the world as they represented Harding. She served as president of Associated Women for Harding, and the Power of Ten Scholarship was created in her honor. She was also the recipient of the Worthy Woman Award. As a sponsor for Zeta Rho social club for more than 30 years, she impacted thousands of young ladies. In 1998, David and Leah received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Harding. In 2013, the First Ladies Garden was approved by the Harding Board of Trustees as a tribute to Leah and the other first ladies who graciously served the University. This was a fitting tribute due to her love for flowers and gardens and has become a favorite place on Harding's campus as it connects the historic campus to Legacy Park where they have lived for the past four years.

Leah loved God and was a devoted member with her husband at the College church of Christ for 61 years. She was a loving and supportive wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was married to David for almost 59 years. She was known for her quiet strength, creative spirit and love for her family. She was outstanding in the kitchen and always provided birthday cakes at every family celebration. While she was a wonderful host to thousands, she was most content spending time alone working in the garden and in the yard. She especially loved her grandchildren and was blessed to have all six of them grow up in Searcy. She loved attending their sporting events and many school activities.

Leah was preceded in death by her parents, Milburn and Walsie Gentry, and her brother and sister-in-law, Lloyd and Donna Gentry. Leah is survived by her husband, David; sister-in-law, Karen Horton of Searcy; son Bryan (Laura) Burks of Searcy; son Stephen (Jeanne) Burks of Searcy; daughter Marleah Teeter of Kensett; grandchildren, Emily (Chris) Meyer of Little Rock, AR, and their two children Lincoln and Mallie; Madison Burks of Little Rock, AR; Carter (Kelsey) Burks of Memphis, TN; Weston (Holly) Burks of Rogers, AR; Kaley (Ryan) Simpson of Memphis, TN; and Caden Burks of Searcy.

A visitation service will be held on Monday evening, July 15 from 6 8 pm at Cone Chapel in the David B. Burks Heritage Building on the campus of Harding University. The funeral service will be Tuesday, July 16 at 10:00 am at the College church of Christ with a burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the David and Leah Burks Endowed Scholarship for Architecture at Harding University.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Daniel Funeral Home
411 East Race Avenue
Searcy, AR  72145
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com