Mary Elizabeth Burks, age 77, of Yardley, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home, on February 4, 2026, surrounded by family members.

Mary was born on August 24, 1948, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Willie B., Sr. and Lucille (Ferguson) Burks. Mary was a graduate of the historical Little Rock Central High School and continued her education at Tennessee State University. Mary attended Tennessee State University on a full scholarship.

Mary devoted many years as an educator. She began her career at OIC of America in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She later continued her career with the New Jersey School District. Mary was very involved with her community. She was a member of the NAACP, National Museum of African American History & Culture, and the MLK Commission.

Mary is survived by her brother, Willie B. Burks, Jr. (Stephanie) of Maryland, and her sister, Vanessa Burks of Little Rock, Arkansas. She is lovingly remembered by her nephews, Reginald Burks of Arizona, Willie B. Burks III of Atlanta, Georgia, Christopher Dyer of Maumelle, Arkansas, and Kevin Burks; her nieces Simona Marshall-Sykes (Tarvares) of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Dominique Burks of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She will be missed by her mentee, Jessica Baffoe whom Mary took a very special interest in, her childhood friends for LIFE Dorothy Murchison and Jennifer Hicks. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A graveside gathering will be held at the White Chapel Memorial Park, 140 Street Road, Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 11:00am, where she will be laid to rest next to her mother.

Arrangements are under the care of the FitzGerald-Sommer Funeral Home 17 S. Delaware Avenue Yardley, Pennsylvania 19067. Condolences for the family can be left at www.fitzgeraldsommerfuneralhome.com.