Pearl Beatrice Burks
October 10, 1943 – February 16, 2016
Pearl Street Burks was born on October 10, 1943 to the late Elmer R. Street and Pearl “Florine” Daisey in Harbeson, Delware. Pearl graduated from Jason High School in Georgetown, DE in 1961. On July 29, 1962 shortly after graduation, she joined the United States Women’s Army Corps. In October of 1962, she completed her basic training in FT. McClellan, Alabama. She spent a portion of her army career working in the children’s clinic caring for newborns. While still serving in the military she met & married the love of her life, Ronald Burks, in San Francisco, California on September 12, 1964. She was honorably discharged as an E-5, a year later before she gave birth to her first son, Chanti Burks, on November 11, 1965 in San Francisco. Due to her husband’s extensive career in the military, Pearl found herself traveling the world; during this time she gave birth to Andre Burks, on January 17, 1968 in Germany. Followed by KeAnte Burks on March 1, 1974, in Hawaii. Continuing on her career, Pearl worked in administration as a computer specialist. During her 30 years of Civil Service, she received numerous awards and letters of appreciation for dedication, loyalty, diligence, and conscientious attention to detail. She also served as a Master Key Operator for C.O.D.A and was a site manager for three Navel bases in San Diego, CA. Due to her invaluable knowledge of the system in place, the government created a new rank of GS-11, to secure Pearl’s highly qualified skills, an honor which had never been given to a civilian by the military. Upon her retirement, she became more involved as a member of the Nanticoke Indian Association. As a grandmother of 9 grandchildren: Danielle, KeAnte II, KeVante, Nantai, Khody, Heiress, Lyric, Aaliyah Madison, and Kamden; they were the love of her life & brought her the greatest joy. It was not unusual to see her go to all lengths for her grandchildren, especially on holidays. Her favorite was Christmas when she would gather the grandchildren to help her decorate several Christmas trees, build the Christmas villages and most of all, delectable gingerbread houses.
