Woodrow Wilson Burks

Woodrow Wilson Burks was born on July 13, 1943 in Lackey, Virginia to the late Mary Greene Hunter and James Robert Burks. He peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 while in hospice care at Marion General Hospital in Marion, OH.

Woodrow attended York County Schools and upon graduation joined the workforce. Masterfully skillful with his hands, Woodrow easily secured jobs in shipping and construction, but would eventually end up in the York County School Division where he worked as a custodian for 24 years at Dare Elementary School in Yorktown, Virginia until he retired. Affectionately dubbed by his brothers as “Mr. Do It Yourself”, painting, fixing and patching were his constant companions. If you stood too close, you would often be drafted as an apprentice or assistant. A jack of all trades, one hobby commanded his full attention: detailing cars! His patient, steady hands curated a shine that made him an in-demand detailer.

A devoted father to his daughters, he provided Godly counsel and guidance through the ministry of kindness. An equally dedicated friend, in his retirement, he would frequently go to Pop’s Diner where he would break bread with friends and debut the latest hat from his collection. Woodrow accepted Christ mid-life and his servant’s heart led him to New Birth Ministries where he served and attended with his long-time friend, Tony Norman. During a fateful meeting at church, he met the love of his life Rosalind Burks, who was visiting Virginia with a mutual friend. In his steady style, he commenced a long-distance courtship until they wed in 2007. Remarrying later in life, he built a beautiful new beginning and bond that ushered in restorative love.

Woodrow relocated to Marion, Ohio where he quickly formed friendships and was revered as a respected elder. An active member of New Covenant Believers’ Church, he served as a greeter alongside his wife, and often connected with younger couples to provide a model for marriage. His gentle demeanor and love knew no limits, and he will forever be regarded as a beloved father-figure and mentor to many.

Woodrow is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Delores Wright; brothers, Richard Hunter and Randolph Greene. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 15 years, Rosalind Burks; daughters Carolyn (Gregory) Hall; Tamika (Omar) Vinson-Reid and Alex Blevins; sisters, Methena Middlebrooks, Joan Burks; brothers James Warner Greene, Kent (Helen) Hunter, Albert (Louise) Hunter and Maxie Burks; grandchildren, Gregory Hall, Jr., Jasmine Hall, Jadyn Wilson, Romario Reid, Jamul Vinson, Zhanee, Michael and Alexander Blevins; great-grandchild, Naomi Amari Forbes-Hall and a host of other relatives and friends.

Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.