Jerl Burks

Jerl Layton Burks, age 74, of Benton, died Dec. 10, 2010. He was born on July 6, 1936 in the Fairplay Community and grew up in the Mt. Olive Community. Jerl went home to be with his Lord and the love of his life for 45 years, Ellavonne Magby Burks. He was a U.S Air Force Veteran and retired from State Highway Department. Jerl was a devoted member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church and was always using his expertise as a craftsman to make it better and more beautiful. Preceding him in death are his wife, Ellavonne; his parents, Layton Burks, Myrtle West Burks Frazier and "Shorty" W. L. Frazier; three brothers, Buddy Burks, Bobby Glenn Frazier and Franklin Frazier and his loving grandparents, John and Ann West. He is survived by his daughters, Tammy Steele and husband Ronnie and Lori Burks; his beloved grandchildren, Alisha Ann Zeek and husband Chris, Ashley Lauren Steele, Layton Roger Haynie, Justin Layne Steele and Brianna Nicole Bolin; sister, Lavern McDorman; brother, Tommy Frazier; many nieces, nephews and cousins; his church family and friends; his adopted in-laws, Clayton and Pauline Magby, Lexie Spickard, Jean Fulcher and Millie Nalley and two great-grandchildren on the way. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12 at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 13 at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church with burial at Mt. Olive Cemetery. Bro. Doug Hammonds will be officiating. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.