Shirley Bernice McKinstry Burks, 93, of Wilmar, died November 3, 2022, at her home. She was born October 18, 1929, in Drew County, to the late Bernice Wright and Dorothy Daniel McKinstry.
She was a graduate of Wilmar High School and attended Arkansas A&M College before completing courses at Draughon School of Business in Little Rock. She worked at both Commercial and Union Banks, as well as doing the payroll and bookkeeping for the family logging and cattle operations. In later years, she volunteered with the Drew Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She was a lifelong member of Wilmar United Methodist Church and served on the board of the Wilmar Cemetery Association.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of more than 50 years, James H. Burks; two brothers, Dan McKinstry and Hardy McKinstry; and a daughter-in-law, Fran Burks.
Survivors include a son, J.R. Burks of Warren; a daughter, Beverly Burks of Wilmar; two granddaughters, Shelley Lewis of Hot Springs and Rachel Seach (Jay) of Wilmar; three great-granddaughters, Sadie Nordeck (Ken) and Anna Lewis both of North Little Rock, and Ella Seach of Wilmar; and three great-great-grandchildren, Andi, Archer and Payton Nordeck all of North Little Rock.
Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 6, 2022, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Ab Pevey officiating. Burial was in Wilmar Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Monticello Senior Citizens Meal Program, 203 Henley Drive, Monticello, 71655; the Drew Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, ℅ Barbara Brown, P.O. Box 764, Monticello, 71657; or the Wilmar Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 132, Wilmar, 71675. You can sign Mrs. Shirley's guestbook page at www.stephensondearman.com.
