Bernice Burks

Bernice Burks passed away peacefully at home on August 8, 2016 in North Little Rock, Arkansas at the age of 84. Bernice was born on May 4, 1932 in Harrisburg, Arkansas, to Lawrence and Mary Deckelman. She was the eldest daughter and is survived by seven brothers and sisters, LD Deckelman (Bobbie Sue), Helen Stokes (Jim), Bob Deckelman (Sylvia), Diane Perry (Bob), Kathy Neugebauer (Rudy), Ron Deckelman (Lillie), Mike Deckelman (Carol). She was preceded in death by her brother, Raymond Deckelman. Bernice is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Ronald Burks of North Little Rock, children, Brian Bentley, Ronnie Burks (Brenda), Randy Burks (Jeanne), Ricky Burks (Yvette); and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter Gina Larkin of North Little Rock. Bernice was a homemaker and an excellent seamstress, often making clothes for her grandchildren. She sold Avon and took great pride in her family's appearance. She also had a talent for cooking, and was known in the family for her homemade cheese dip, Mexican chicken and at Christmas time her tradition of making sausage rolls. She also had a way with babies, and could soothe almost any crying baby since she had "the touch". She was a member of Central Baptist Church in North Little Rock where she met her husband Ronald, and at one point her ministry was volunteering to visit shut-ins who couldn't come to church. She was passionate about her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and loved her family very much. The family would like to thank Arkansas Hospice for their loving care. Memorials can be made to Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116. A funeral is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., Friday August 12, 2016, at Central Baptist Church, 5200 Fairway Avenue, North Little Rock. There will be a visitation at the church starting at 10:30 a.m. prior to the service. Bernice will be laid to rest at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery following the service. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.