Reba Dyer Burks

Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville announces funeral services for Mrs. Reba June Dyer Burks, age 70, of Blairsville, who passed away Thursday evening, January 19, 2012, in Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.

Reba June Burks was born February 6, 1941 to Hub and Kate and to two brothers Ralph and Raymond. Later a younger brother, Royce, was born. She was born at home in the Choestoe area of Union County. When she was seventeen she left Union County for the big city of Atlanta. She worked there as a telephone operator then later in a dental office. It was there that she met Harvey Burks who was serving in the Army at Fort MacPherson. They were married and had a daughter - Mary Michelle - named for Mary Kate Dyer, Reba's mother. Mary Michelle was soon shortened to Shelly. Harvey was transferred to Germany where he took his family and served for just over two years. Mitchell Jeffrey was born there and he and Shelly were raised in a home that was shared with a German family that also had children. Albert and Agnus raised the American children as much as they did their own. Shelly spoke German before she spoke English and would help translate for the families. Reba was able to see other parts of Europe and enjoyed her time there very much. Holland, with the beautiful tulips, was some of her favorite memories of the area.

Harvey was transferred back to the States and Harvey Jay was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Harvey Jay was named for his father - Harvey Jesse and for his grandfather - Harvey John. Soon after the Burks family was transferred back to Atlanta. Shelly started school there and Reba took care of the two boys at home.

Harvey retired from the Army after 22 years and the family moved back to Union County, Reba's home place and where parents and brothers still lived. They brought with them Harvey John - Reba's father-in-law - and took care of him until his passing in 1972. Reba was a devoted wife and mother that took care of the home and children for many years. It was during this time that Andrew Gene was born. He was named for Reba's father - Hubbard Gene. Reba and Harvey spent many evenings playing Rook and Aggravation with other families in the community.

Harvey worked for the U.S. Postal Service and the children were all in school, so Reba began working at Alexander's Store. She enjoyed her time and work there and worked there more than 10 years. Later, Jay started a business and she went to work for him. A couple of years later, he started the Sears store and Reba worked there with hi and later with the new owner - her youngest son Andy - until just recently. Reba always enjoyed working and being around people.

Reba was a wonderful caregiver to Harvey until his passing in 1994. She was a great cook and cooked many Sunday meals for her children and their families. Her specialities like fried squash, gravy biscuits and Thanksgiving Dressing are legendary in her family. She taught many how to make her favorite dishes. Reba believed in teaching her kids values and manners. Harvey and Reba raised their children with a strong belief in God and Christian values.

Reba left this world on Thursday night to join Harvey and other loved ones in Heaven. She was surrounded by all her children and their spouses, some of her grandchildren, her pastor, and two of her cousins.Surviving family members include her children and their spouses: Shelly and David Breedlove; Jeff and Lori Burks, Jay and Kayce Burks, Andrew and Christal Burks, and Vicki and Mark Douglas, all of Blairsville; brothers and their spouses: Ralph and Jean Dyer, of Gainesville, Georgia; Raymond Dyer and Royce and Carol Dyer, all of Blairsville. Grandchildren: Melissa Adams, Anna Breedlove, Billy Breedlove, Logan Butt, Leia Breedlove, Alex Breedlove, Grizzle Breedlove, Rachel Breedlove, Adrian Breedlove, Burkley Breedlove, Kelly Burks, Kristian Burks, Ryan Burks, Nolan Burks, Jackson Burks, Jay Mitchell Douglas,Megan Douglas, Funeral services for Reba have been scheduled for Sunday, January 22, 2012, at 3:00 p.m., in Union Baptist Church, with Rev. Benny Nix and Rev. Tommy Hunt officiating. The body will lie instate at the church starting at 2:30 on the day of the funeral service. Special music will be presented by the church choir. The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: Phil Kelley, Tim Dyer, Joe Dyer, Jim Dyer, Scott Dyer, and David Ray Bryant. Burial will be in Union Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation at the funeral home will be held on Saturday evening, January 21, 2012, between the hours of 5 until 9 p.m.

Reba often gave to charities and individuals whenever she saw their needs. To honor this, the family would like to give people the opportunity to give to a memorial fund—in lieu of flowers—to benefit the chemotherapy room where she spent a lot of time in the last year. During that time, Reba worried more about getting snacks and turbans for the other patients than she did for her own comfort. The fund is set up at the Union County Bank as the Reba Burks Memorial Fund.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville. Please share your fond memories and condolences with the family and view the Life Tribute Video on our website, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com