Irene Burks

Irene Dimples Burks was born January 28, 1922, in Gadberry, Kentucky, to William Martin Cheatham and Myrtie Elliot Cheatham. Irene was a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend who passed away on April 13, 2025, at the age of 103.

Irene was the third of five children, in which she shared a special bond with all her siblings. Irene’s father and mother both preceded her in death along with her siblings James, Owen (Palo), Francis, and Maxine.

Irene finished school with an 8th-grade education and later went on to attend Poro Beauty School in Indianapolis, Indiana. Irene graduated from beauty school in 1940, where she began her career as a beautician.

In 1948, Irene married Melvin Burks, who preceded her in death.

She began her journey with Christ at an early age and joined Antioch Baptist Church in Saint Louis, MO, in the late 1950s, where she was an active member of the Usher Board for over 30 years. Irene later returned to school to complete her nursing degree in the 1960s and began her nursing career at SLU Hospital as a nursing assistant. She later retired from SLU in 1994, where she then spent her free time sewing, shopping, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Irene was a proud mother of four children: Myrtie McGhee, Calvin Burks (Paula), Stephen Burks (Vickie), and Anthony Burks. Myrtie and Anthony both preceded her in death.

Irene leaves to mourn her passing her devoted sons Calvin (Paula) and Stephen (Vickie); her grandchildren Gene (Heidi), Michelle, Jessie, Lakeshia (Anthony), Marlene, Stanielle (N’Gui), Monique, Sharonda (Hung), Toni, Don (Traci), and Victoria. Irene also leaves behind a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.