Ellen Josephine Burks of Selmer, TN

March 3, 1923 - August 23, 2020

Ellen Josephine Burks passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus August 23, 2020, gaining her angel wings. She was born on Saturday, March 3, 1923 in Masseyville, Tennessee to Dr. G. H. and Beulah Mitchell Roland. She married J. T. Burks on Sunday, December 22, 1940 in Stantonville, Tennessee. To this union Josephine had two children, Neal and Nancy. Josephine worked in the McNairy County Court Clerk's office for 16 years with her husband, J. T. Burks. After Mr. Burks left office, Josephine worked many years with her niece, Billie Brooks, at The Flower Box, then at Fannie's Florist, and later The Floral Connection. After retiring she became a Pink Lady, volunteering her services in the gift shop of McNairy County General Hospital. She loved the crossword and word seek puzzles in the newspaper, working them daily, and spending time with her grands and great-grands. She also enjoyed working, making scratch biscuits, raising a garden, and caring for her family, whom she loved dearly. Mrs. Josephine joined First Baptist Church of Selmer on September 23, 1956 and taught in the Sunday School program for many years. She was one of the oldest living members at the time of her death. She is survived by a son, Neal Burks and wife Deborah of Selmer, TN; four grandchildren: Jay Deming and wife Tami of Paducah, Ky, Jill Cooper and husband Brent of Jackson, TN, Heather Maxedon and husband Brett of Selmer, TN, and Michael Burks of Selmer, TN; eleven great-grandchildren: Nathan and Preston Burks of Selmer, TN, Nathan Hancock of Nashville, TN, Nicholas Hancock of Alpharetta, GA, Jon Franklin and Linzi Ann Burks of Franklin, TN, Will Cooper and fiancee Abigail Boerger of New Orleans, LA, Amanda Cooper of Jackson, TN, and Analyn, Allie, and Austin Maxedon, all of Selmer, TN; a son-in-law, Johnny Deming of Paducah, KY; 2 very special nieces, Billie Brooks and Jo Ross; and many other nieces, nephews, and friends to cherish her memory. Mrs. Burks was preceded on her journey to Heaven by her parents, Dr. G. H. and Beulah Mitchell Roland; her husband of 52 years, J. T. Burks; a daughter, Nancy Carol Deming; a grandson, Jon Lohman Burks; a granddaughter, Susan Deming Tedrow; and a granddaughter-in-law, Mindy Burks. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Attendees are requested to wear masks and observe social distancing guidelines.