Marilyn Burks

Marilyn Burks was born on July 5, 1956, to Sarah (Rogers) Burks and Alonzo Burks in Toledo, Ohio. Sarah and Alonzo moved from Birmingham, AL to Ohio where Marilyn and her five siblings were raised and educated. After relocating to Cleveland, OH with her mother and siblings at an early age, Marilyn's formative years were subsequently spent in both Toledo and Cleveland. She attended East High School in Cleveland during her final school years. A believer in Christ, growing up she had a close relationship with her paternal Grandmother who she would often attend Baptist church with throughout the years.

Marilyn was a beloved bartender at several establishments in the Toledo and Cleveland areas where she picked up her gift for being able to have effortless conversations with people from all walks of life. She also worked in various roles in the hospitality and customer service industry before becoming a homemaker devoting her time to her six children. Marilyn was known for her quick wit, straight no chaser attitude, her comedic timing and booming speaking voice. She enjoyed being the person who brought laughter to any event and was often referred to as "the person that has everyone cracking up". Most of her family and friends have fond memories of her recalling moments when she lifted their spirits with an amazing joke or act of kindness. As a mother, she enjoyed frequent family walks, trips to playgrounds, car rides and family visits with her children along with gathering with her children to rewatch her favorite comedy films and tv shows. She would later continue these traditions with a few of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

It was rare to enter her home and not hear the sound of music blaring from the tv and speaker. The daughter of two musically talented parents, Marilyn was gifted with a rich beautiful singing voice that she proudly showcased while singing along to her favorite blues, soul, and soft rock songs. Her favorite past times were playing card games and brain games on her phone, coloring, being outside people watching, and taking road trips in or out of state. She had a deep affection for nature and loved to sit outside on her balcony/porch listening to music whilst enjoying the sun shining, the cool relief from the breeze and the calming sounds of heavy rain. Going to Lake Erie to be surrounded by the water brought her many moments of peace. She often referred to her moments with nature as "enjoying God's work."

Marilyn passed away on the afternoon of October 3rd, 2023. It is not a cliche' statement but a true one, that she was well loved by her children, extended family, friends, and neighbors. Her presence and essence will be forever missed.
She was preceded in death by her daughter (at birth), longtime partner Roosevelt Williams, parents Sarah and Alonzo, brothers Alonzo Burks Jr. and Anthony Burks, sister Vanessa Burks Boddy (Kenneth Boddy), niece Latrice Burks and bonus brother Robert "Bobby" Wilson.

Left to forever honor and cherish her memory are her six children: D'launti Burks (Cherylle Johnson), Laquantis Burks (Royce Mango), Alonzo Burks, Michael Burks, Sarah Spring (David Spring), Corine Williams and bonus son, Donnell Watts; one sister, Sandra Conteh; one brother, Ricardo Burks, and three beloved nieces Kytari Rogers, Laquantis Mays and Coretta Wilkerson; two great nephews, Brandon, and Michael Burks. Marilyn was the proud grandmother of 14 grandchildren: Rontae'Ja. Elijah, Erin, Elisa, Eve, Ethan, Elaina, Alonziana, Alana, Michael Josiah, Anthony, Aaliyah, Andrea, Savannah, and two great grandsons Davon and Navier. And lastly, she leaves behind, her 2-year-old fur baby "Brother Burks" the cat who meant the world to her and kept her company in her final years.