Denis Layne Burk

Denis Layne Burk, Lavonia GA, entered into eternal rest on April 14, 2022, at Stephens County Hospital.  Denis was born with Down Syndrome in McCook, Nebraska to Elmer and Agnes Burk, April 1, 1962.  He grew up on a farm outside McDonald, Kansas and was the youngest with two brothers and two sisters.  His family was instrumental in helping him to become an independent and productive citizen with special needs.

 

Denis attended Beamgard Learning Center, which his parents helped establish, and graduated in 1983.  He then received supportive services from the Prairie Developmental Center in Atwood, Kansas and was able to live independently and work at several jobs including the recycling center in Atwood.  Denis was known for his love of people and always being happy.

 

After the death of his mother, Denis moved to Lavonia, GA, to live with his sister, Nancy Williamson, in 2011.  He later resided with a host family, Fred and Judy Williams, of Toccoa.  In 2016, Denis became a special member of the Daniel and Annetta Mayfield family.  He had great love for “Big D”, “Adeda”, and “Lil Daniel” and thought of them as his family.  Denis loved sports especially the Georgia Bulldawgs, and spent many hours watching football with Big D in their man-cave.  He even helped as a water boy for the Stephens County Indians’ basketball team.

 

Denis attended Avita Developmental Center in Toccoa, GA, where he acquired many friends and became an active member of the Toccoa community.  Denis was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and served with the Knights of Columbus.

 

Denis is survived by his two brothers,  Elmer (Rita) Burk of Tucson, AZ and Robert (Jean) Burk of San Rafael, CA; two sisters: Nancy Williamson of Lavonia, GA, and Cheryln (Douglas) Smith of Othello, WA; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

 

A Funeral Mass will be held at three o’clock on Monday, April 18, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Toccoa, GA.

A Memorial Service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Atwood, KS with inurnment to follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Beardsley, KS

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: St. Mary Catholic Church Capital Campaign Fund, 231 Rothell Road Ext, Toccoa, GA  30577 or to Toccoa Life Family Resource Center,

4444 Ga Hwy 17, Eastanollee, GA  30538.

 

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and sign the online guestbook at www.whitlockmortuary.net

Whitlock Mortuary, Funerals and Cremations is honored to be serving the family of Denis Layne Burk.