January 16, 2013

Funeral for Michelle Lawler Burks, 48, of Hartselle will be Fri., Jan. 18, at West Hartselle Baptist Church at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Jack Redfearn and Hon. Judge Brent Craig officiating with Peck Funeral Home directing.

Burial will be at the Moulton City Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thur., Jan. 17, at Peck Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m.

Mrs. Burks died Jan. 16, 2013, at Huntsville Hospital surrounded by her loving family after a courageous five-year battle with ovarian cancer, She was born Feb. 15, 1964, in Champaign, Ill., to Bill and Nikki Lawler. She graduated from Austin High School in 1982 and attended Auburn University and Jacksonville State University. On Sept. 12, 1992, she married Tony Burks, originally from Hatton, and together they have two children, Colton and Callie. They 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 was preceded in death by her father, Bill Lawler; her father-in-law, Donald Burks; and many beloved dogs.

She is survived by her husband Tony Burks; her two children, Colton (17) and Callie (13); her mother Nikki Lawler; her mother-in-law Jill Burks; a sister, Teresa Laninga; a niece Shana Laninga; two brothers, Greg Rice and Allen Rice; two dogs, Murphy and Belle, and her cat, Bootsie.

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.

In lieu of flowers, Michelle’s wishes were to please make memorial contributions to Lilies of the Valley, P.O.

Box 14066, Huntsville, AL 35815.