Michelle-Burks-Obituary

Michelle Lawler Burks

Hartselle, Alabama

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Hartselle, Alabama

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Michelle Lawler Burks

Hartselle

Michelle Lawler Burks (2-15-64 to 1-16-13) went to be with the Lord early Wednesday morning. After a courageous five year battle with ovarian cancer, Michelle passed away at Huntsville Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Michelle was born in Champaign, Illinois, to Bill and Nikki Lawler. She graduated from Austin High School in 1982 and attended Auburn University and Jacksonville State University. September 12, 1992 she married Tony Burks, originally from Hatton, and together they have two children, Colton and Callie. They have made their home in Hartselle where Michelle was active in school and community events. Through their marriage and partnership, Michelle and Tony have owned numerous fitness centers including Maxx Fitness in Decatur. In 1995, following the birth of their first child, Michelle became a full-time homemaker devoting her life to raising her children. Through her battle with ovarian cancer, she selflessly protected her children from knowing the seriousness of her disease and always put their needs before her own.

Michelle was a member of Lilies of the Valley (ovarian cancer support and awareness group) where she served as hospitality coordinator and on the board of directors. She was a certified "teal talk" speaker, and spoke to numerous groups educating them on ovarian cancer. She continued her love of exercise throughout her battle and was an inspiration to all who knew her. Michelle was an active member of West Hartselle Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, Tony Burks, her two children, Colton (17) and Callie (13). Also surviving her is her mother, Nikki Lawler; her mother-in-law, Jill Burks; sister, Teresa Laninga; niece, Shana Laninga; two brothers, Greg Rice and Allen Rice; two dogs, Murphy and Belle; and her cat, Bootsie. She was preceded in death by her father, Bill Lawler; father-in-law, Donald Burks; and many beloved dogs.

Visitation will be tonight from 5 to 8 at Peck Funeral Home. The funeral will be Friday, January 18th at West Hartselle Baptist Church at 2 p.m. with Reverend Jack Redfearn and Honorable Judge Brent Craig officiating. Burial following the service in Moulton City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dr. Mike McCutcheon, Johnston McCutcheon, Mark Gates, Rick Laritz, Thomas Brooks, Phil Kline, Mack Reed, Tommy Ennis, Bill Swann and Bud Reed. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Wiggins, Rethal Hightower, Harold Woodruff, Johnny Hall, Scott Shelton and Denny Pershin.

Michelle's wishes were, instead of flowers, please make memorial con- tributions to Lilies of the Valley, P.O. Box 14066, Huntsville, AL 35815.

This obituary was originally published in the Decatur Daily.

Guest Book

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Tony I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you and your children.

My dear Aunt Michelle, I will miss you always and forever. May you rest in peace.

Our prayers go out to you and your family.

Tony, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Tony, my deepest sympathy to you and your family.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.

Tony, Colton and "my Carleigh aka Callie" your family is in our prayers. Our heart aches for the three of you and the family during this time. Michelle was such a loving and an amazing person and we will all miss her. We love you and truly sorry for the loss.

I would like to express my sympathy to Tony, Colton, and Callie. Jordan and myself were very honored to have known Michelle. She was a wonderful friend and inspiration to us all. May God be with you during this difficult time and in the days to follow. Thinking about you and we are here to help.