luberda burks walker
1928-2010
Life Story
Biography
Birth: December 22, 1928
Death: April 16, 2010
Burial: Biloxi National Cemetery, Biloxi, Mississippi
Early Life
Luberda Burks was born on December 22, 1928, in Forest, Scott County, Mississippi, to Homer Burks, Sr. (1908–1971) and Rosie Mae Bounds Burks (1912–2001). Although born in Scott County, by 1940 her parents were residing in Newton County, where Luberda spent part of her childhood and early faith formation. She joined the church at a young age, beginning a lifelong commitment to Christian service.
Marriage and Family
In 1950, Luberda met and married George Willis Walker (1924–2015). Their marriage lasted sixty years and produced a loving family. Together they raised:
- Larry (Lula) Walker
- Maggie (Donald) Mingo of Gulfport
- Jerome (Claudette) Walker of Biloxi
- Robert (Avis) Walker of San Antonio, Texas
Luberda was preceded in death by her daughter, Margaret Ann Walker (1950–1973).
Her family eventually grew to include fourteen grandchildren, two godchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Education
Luberda attended Newton Vocational High School in Newton, Mississippi, where she graduated with honors.
Later in life, she continued her education and earned her Child Development Associate degree in 1993, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
Career
For 25 years, Luberda worked for GCCAA Head Start in Gulfport, Mississippi. Her work in early childhood education reflected her dedication to nurturing and supporting young children and families. Her contributions were recognized through several awards for her service in the Christian and civic community.
Church and Community Service
Luberda Walker dedicated her life to Christian service across multiple congregations. She served as a deaconess for 45 years, beginning at Sweet Home Baptist Church in Gulfport and later at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Gulfport.
After uniting with Forrest Heights Missionary Baptist Church, she continued her leadership as:
- President of the Deaconess Board
- President of the Mission
Under her guidance, the Mission developed a long-lasting nursing home outreach ministry and a clothing giveaway program, both of which continued beyond her lifetime.
Her extensive community involvement included:
- Girl Scout leader
- Volunteer with Memorial Hospital
- Youth program supporter (baseball, basketball, the YWCA, and the summer reading program)
- Treasurer of the City Wide Mission
Her work touched countless individuals in the Gulfport community.
Death and Burial
Luberda Burks Walker went home to be with the Lord on April 16, 2010.
Visitation was held at Forrest Heights Missionary Baptist Church on April 23, 2010, followed by funeral services at noon. She was laid to rest in Biloxi National Cemetery, where she is buried alongside her husband, a U.S. military veteran.
Resting Place
Biloxi National Cemetery, Biloxi, Mississippi
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- Sun Herald, Luberda Burks Walker Obituary, Thu, Apr 22, 2010 ·Page A8
- The Newton Record, Homer Burks Obituary, Wed, Dec 22, 1971 ·Page 25
- U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1
- U.S. Veterans’ Gravesites, ca.1775-2006
- U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
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