Gemma Sue Burks

Gemma Sue Burks September 10, 1928 – December 22, 2024 On the evening of Sunday, December 22, 2024, Gemma Sue Burks, at the age of 96, peacefully entered her eternal home in heaven. Her long, beautiful life leaves a legacy of love, faith, and generosity. She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Linda and Joey Tomlinson, Donna and Blaine Coffey, Roger Burks, and Anita and Bradley Clarkston; her 11 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Gemma Sue Vernon was born at home in Duke, Oklahoma, on September 10, 1928, to Elnora Dent and Hubert Henry Vernon. She was the only daughter among five brothers: Dick Lawayne, Chester Roy, Olen Kellen, Harvard Dale, and Ted Ray, all of whom preceded her in death. Gemma Sue was the last member of her immediate family to pass. Her early years were filled with frequent moves, taking her family across Oklahoma, Texas, Albuquerque, and California. She cherished the simple joys of her childhood, like playing with paper dolls and adventuring on the sand dunes of West Texas with her brothers. However, the innocence of those years gave way to the sobering realities of World War II, which deeply shaped her teenage years as she watched her brothers and friends go off to serve their country. It was during this transformative period that Sue’s life changed forever. In 1945, she caught the attention of a young soldier named Daniel Wesley Burks while attending church in Albuquerque. Their love story began that day and quickly blossomed. During Wesley’s Christmas break in 1946, he introduced Sue to his family in Paducah, Texas. The two secretly eloped on December 27, 1946, beginning a marriage that would span 67 years. After Wesley returned to his studies at the University of Texas, Sue remained in Albuquerque until he secured a place for them in Austin. It was only then that she shared her marriage news with her parents. Their new life together began in Austin, where Wesley completed his accounting degree before starting a long career with the Texas Highway Department in San Antonio. San Antonio became their home for 37 years, and it was there that they raised their four children. Sue excelled in her role as a homemaker, lovingly sewing clothes for her children and even crafting wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses. Despite the challenges of raising a family on a budget, Sue and Wesley created a home filled with warmth, hospitality, and faith. They frequently opened their doors to friends, neighbors, and church family for meals and fellowship. Sue was deeply devoted to her faith and was an active member of the church throughout her life. She taught Bible classes, supported others in need, and exemplified servant-heartedness. Together, she and Wesley cared for her parents during their final years and extended their generosity to anyone in need. In 1971, Sue discovered her talent for painting and began creating beautiful landscapes inspired by the Texas Hill Country and East Texas. Her artwork now adorns the homes of her children, grandchildren, and friends, a lasting testament to her creativity and love for beauty. After Wesley retired in 1987, the couple moved to Whitehouse, Texas, where they continued to live out their faith in the community. Whether driving friends to appointments or opening their home to those in need, Sue and Wesley embodied the love of Christ in action. In 2011, as their own needs increased, they returned to San Antonio, where Linda and Joey were nearby to assist. After Wesley’s passing in 2014, Sue moved to Sugar Land, where Anita and Bradley cared for her in her later years. Donna and Dillard, and Roger also made time to come to their parents’ aid when needed. When asked about her happiest memories, Sue often pointed to her years of service in the church, whether in Austin, San Antonio, Whitehouse, or Sugar Land. Her life was defined by her faith, her love for her family, and her commitment to serving others. Gemma Sue Burks was deeply loved and cherished by her family and countless friends who considered her family. Though she will be profoundly missed, her legacy of faith, kindness, and love lives on in all who knew her. Services: Visitation and funeral services will be held at First Colony Church of Christ in Sugar Land, Texas, on Friday, December 27, 2024. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral at 10:00 a.m. Burial will take place the following day, Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Mission Burial Park North in San Antonio, Texas. Memorials: The family welcomes flowers or donations in Sue’s memory to World Bible School. Tributes and words of condolence may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com.

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Gemma Sue Burks

September 10, 1928 - December 22, 2024