Martha Ann Burks

BURKS, MARTHA ANN of Vestavia Hills was called home Saturday morning, March 24, at the age of 80. Martha is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ken, and their three children, Ken Jr. (Debra), David (Daun), and Leigh Hardy (Derek). She is preceded in death by her infant son, Randall, and all seven of her siblings. Other family members mourning Martha are her four grandchildren, who range in age from 7 to 34, and her two great-granddaughters, all of whom affectionately know her as Mimmie. Anyone who encountered Martha's nurturing and engaging presence will miss her. She was born Martha Ann Moore and graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1949. Her father Horace, a preacher on the Methodist circuit, succumbed to tuberculosis when she was 3, leaving her to be raised by her mother Leila. Martha's life was dedicated to the happiness and wellbeing of her family. She and Ken raised their family in the Belview Heights and Bush Hills neighborhoods of Birmingham and were members of the original Hunter Street Baptist Church. As a bookkeeper, Martha was a fixture of West End High, Huffman High, and Pizitz Middle School. She and Ken have been residents of Vestavia for over thirty years and attend Mountaintop Community Church. The joy of Martha's life was her family, none of whom could leave home far behind and all of whom came running at her mention of a Sunday dinner. As the family matriarch, she will be remembered for her indomitable strength, strong will, and loving touch. She will be forever missed by her loving family. Visitation will begin Tues., March 27 at 11:30 A.M. at Ridout's Chapel Elmwood with the funeral service following at 1:00. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Make a Wish Foundation or Mountaintop Community Church.