Sara DeYoung Burks

Sara DeYoung Burks was born on October 2, 1921, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the fourth child of William F. DeYoung, Sr. and Pearlie Estelle DeYoung. Her siblings were twins, William F. DeYoung and Frances DeYoung Garza, and sister, Ruby DeYoung Suttle. She was predeceased by "Frank" and Ruby. Her sister Frances and husband Luke reside in Orlando, Florida. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews of whom she was most proud.

On March 1, 1946, Sara married Lt. James T. Burks and over many years traveled around the world in the typical military fashion. They settled in San Antonio, Texas upon Toby's retirement, and lived there until his death in 2002, after 56 wonderful years together.

For many years, Toby had the companionship of Martin Ceballos who would have a weekly "date" with him for a Saturday lunch together. Martin could do anything and fix anything, according to Toby and Sara.

After Toby's death, Sara remained in the family home and was cared for by loving, kind women, Maribell, Yolanda, Adalina and Ruth, and new companion, Beth. It was such a blessing to the family to know that they were with her.

Toby and Sara had two daughters, Judith Burks Schroeder and husband Bob of Houston, and three grandchildren, Randall Lee Porter and wife Rhonda and three sons, Travis, Wesley and Clayton, the sons they had not had, all of Houston; granddaughter Stephanie Porter Konradi and husband Michael and daughters Brittany and Bridgett, all of Ida Grove, Iowa the apple of a great-grandmother's eye because she know about "girls"; and grandson, Robert Schroeder, Jr. and friend Mandi Bartelt of Austin, who had recently moved a little closer to "Grandmother'.

Daughter Janice Burks Byrum and husband Shawn reside in Dallas and were a source of pride for Sara and Toby over the years. They especially enjoyed the trips they shared in the earlier years. Sara and Toby often spoke of the wonderful time they had on the trips to Hawaii and New York City. Sara was especially appreciative of the chance to stay in her home rather than go to a retirement home. She often said how much that meant that Jan was able to make that possible for her.

Sara was a lover of animals, especially her Yorkies. She had a soft spot, especially for strays and the birds of the neighborhood will sorely miss the daily birdseed she so graciously tossed out for them.

Sara also was a big time collector, from Barbie dolls to Cabbage Patch dolls and the beautiful Madam Alexanders. She had met Madam on a doll convention in San Antonio, and they became pen pals so to speak, and Mother spoke of her with much fondness. Also, her "unusual" collection of hippos, which reaches almost 500.

The last family celebration was on December 23, Toby's birthday. A holiday meal was shared, with food, fellowship, love and the creation of new memories. She will be truly missed. Now may she rest in peace with her beloved Toby.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bexar County Humane Society, a no kill shelter, 4804 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio, TX 78229.