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.
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20 Condolence(s)
Teresa (Minyard) White.
Saturday, July 20, 2024
My mother help with house keeping til moms passing. When I say helped I mean Ms Burk always had things kept nice and clean. My mom would say I don't know how she does it. But when she came to clean mom said Ms Burks would already have most everything done and she gave mom the small jobs to finish for her if she didn't have time to do it herself. Mom always commented on how the family treated her like one of them not the housekeeper. My mother said Mr and Ms Burks had to be the most down to earth people for the important position they kept. My mom's name was Sharon Minyard. And she thought the world of this family. This world has lost a true angel and worker for God and people alike. We saw her as our of Queen of USA . So elegant and important but loved all she came in contact with. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We were honored to have know her for the beauty she showed to us all.
Dr Chris and Laura Meyer and family
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
May God grant the family strength and peace through this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The Meyer family
Kathleen Laird
Monday, July 15, 2024
Leah was always such a good example of a servant of the Lord’s. I know you all have wonderful memories of the time you spent with her. My heart goes out to the family. Continued prayers for you all.
Dwight Rononson
Sunday, July 14, 2024
Loved leah as my art teacher at Bradford, prayers for the family
Ron & Karla French
Saturday, July 13, 2024
So many joyful memories!!!! David and family; God's blessings and comfort!! You are in our prayers!!!
David m johnson
Saturday, July 13, 2024
My deep sympathy to David and all Leah’s family
She had a kind and gentle spirit which the Lord loves!
Sandra New Parham
Saturday, July 13, 2024
We are sad to learn of your family’s loss. Leah was an amazing lady that we held in high regard. May you be surrounded by comfort during the moments of deep sadness, and hold tightly to the best memories.
Sandy and Jon
John Tate
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Rosann Alexander
Friday, July 12, 2024
She was a good woman, a faithful servant.
Blessings,
Rosann Alexander
Donna Helms Mayes
Friday, July 12, 2024
A wonderful lady and a true loss for our community. I truly grieve with her family. Sweet, sweet, woman. Heaven gets sweeter by the day it seems.
Pam Hook
Friday, July 12, 2024
Our prayers are with Dr. Burks and his sweet family. We have such wonderful memories of times with them in Chile and Leah’s amazing smile and beautiful spirit was always so inspiring to everyone. May God surround you with comfort, love and peace.
Joan Jackson
Friday, July 12, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with the Burks & Gentry families at this time.
Joan Jackson
Paula Spencer Hicks
Friday, July 12, 2024
Leah had a truly beautiful spirit. Always smiling and ready to help others. I remember her so well when we were in college, and later after marrying David she was such a sweet support for him. May their happy memories help her family during this difficult time.
Beckie Weaver
Friday, July 12, 2024
So sorry to hear of Leah’s passing. She was a lovely, Christian woman who always had a smile for all. Sending prayers and love to her sweet family.
Marsha Bailey Harrell
Friday, July 12, 2024
So sorry for your family’s earthly loss, but rejoicing in her heavenly reward that she just attained. May you feel peace in the days ahead that only God can provide.
Peggy Pearce
Friday, July 12, 2024
Mrs. Burks was my teacher at Bradford many years ago. She was a very gracious lady.
Marilyn Cobb Sanderson
Friday, July 12, 2024
Leah was a treasured friend while at Harding College. We were Zeta Rho sisters and suitemates in Kendall Hall.
She was a wonderful Christian lady. Kindness was part of her DNA. I cannot recall hearing her say an unkind word to, or about, anyone. Calmness seemed to prevail in her life, regardless of the challenges that came her way. She fought cancer valiantly and retained her lovely cheerful spirit. I feel blessed by our friendship.
Cheryl Janet (Batson) Penn
Friday, July 12, 2024
So sorry to hear.....but sending love, hugs and prayers of comfort for your family. God bless.
Doris Jones
Friday, July 12, 2024
Jeffrey Hopper
Friday, July 12, 2024
It's at times like this that things that were seemingly important fade into the background. I sympathize with the Burks family over this loss. Leah was unfailingly kind and gracious to me for so many years. My heart is with your family as you adjust to life without your precious wife, mother and grandmother.