Dorothy Burks

Dorothy Bell “Donna” Burks (75) was born on January 9th, 1949, in Springfield MO to Mary Francis and Edward Harold Burks and passed from her earthly life to her heavenly home on April 27th, 2024, while at her home in Walnut Grove MO.

Donna loved the Lord and had read her Bible cover to cover many times, something she was very proud of. Her church letter was held at National Heights Baptist Church in Springfield MO.

Donna is survived by and was mom to Kelly Regena Zeigenbein of Ozark MO and Beverley Marie Bretz of Walnut Grove MO. She was grandmother (Nan) to Ashley Bagby of Springfield MO, Brittni Bretz of Walnut Grove MO, Christopher Bagby Jr of Schell City MO, and Braylie Bretz of Walnut Grove MO, and (Manana) to Howard Zeigenbein III of Ozark MO. Donna was a great-grandmother (Nan) to Gage Bagby of Springfield Mo. (Nonny) to Ryder and Ryver Bretz of Walnut Grove MO and (Nana) to Shiloh Retherford of Springfield Mo. She is also survived by sisters Margaret Brashears and Betty Dorey, brother Sammy Burks, all of Springfield MO and many nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by both of her parents, her sisters Judy Broom and Kay Gregory, her brother Eddie Burks, her longtime companion John Bingham, her daughters’ father Kelly Brake, and countless additional family members/friends.

Donna was always willing to give her last dime to anyone in need - without hesitation. She had a humble spirit and always cheered for the underdog. Donna knew what it was like to do without, so she did her best to ensure that others had what they needed, never ever expecting anything in return. Donna could make a dollar stretch and did more with it than most who had plenty. Donna did not like to ask for help and rarely did. She was super independent, always wanted to “pay her own way”, and was most comfortable caring for others – even in situations where they were trying to care for her.
Donna enjoyed her time on Facebook. She made so many great friends online, which helped to fill her days as her health declined and her pain worsened. She loved to share stories especially photos of her family. From time to time, she would get in the mix of online debates, which usually landed her in Facebook jail. She was a repeat offender!

Donna loved/adored all her family and will be remembered as always giving them her all and then some. Donna was beautiful, smart, quick-witted, compassionate, giving, thoughtful, stubborn and funny. She was outspoken and without filters.

Donna owned her own cleaning business and became longtime friends with most of her clients. She enjoyed crafting, helping John as he restored classic cars, and loved setting up at swap meets on the weekends. Donna enjoyed running her grandkids around, hitting every yard sale she could find, bumping down the road listening to LOUD music (country, rap, rock), tending to the beautiful flowers that she grew, and making friends everywhere she went. She was a talker and didn’t know a stranger.

Donna was ready to leave this earth and trade in her worn-out body for a new heavenly body, long before the Lord took her, but to us, she passed rather unexpectedly and, in our hearts, way too soon.

As we mourn the loss of our mom, grandma, and great-grandma - we ask that you say a prayer for peace for us when she crosses your mind, share a story every now and again to keep her memory alive, and make certain that you have a personal relationship with the Lord so that you will see her again one day.

In closing, we offer to you, her favorite Bible verse. She would proudly share that she learned it as a girl in Sunday school and kept it tucked away in her heart for all of her days.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. KJV: King James Version John 3:16

At Donna’s request, there will be no service. She will be cremated, and the family will announce a simple celebration of life that will be held in the next few weeks.