Calvin Burkes
THE LIFE OF
Calvin Burkes, Sr., was born July 7, 1952, in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, to Eldora Abshaw Burkes and Henry Burkes. He was the youngest son of five children, Hank, Samuel (deceased), Sarah, and Andrew. Calvin was a kind and crafty child as he eventually used his skills and abilities learned from his godfather, who was a carpenter, to make inventions that would improve the lives of those in need. Calvin graduated from Yazoo High School in Yazoo, Mississippi, and went on to attend Jackson State University (JSU), Jackson, Mississippi, where he majored in Industrial Arts/Technology in 1975. While attending JSU, he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Delta Phi Chapter in the Fall of 1972, where he acquired a few more life-long brothers, many of whom he stayed in close contact with over the years. After graduating from JSU, Calvin Burkes Sr. moved to Memphis, Tennessee, to start his teaching career in vocational wood and metalwork as a ''Shop Teacher'' with Memphis City Schools. His passion for helping children with special needs gave him much joy, evident by his 32 years of service as a teacher and mentor to many children. Calvin's Christian journey started at the Holly Green Church in Yazoo, Mississippi. After moving to Memphis in 1975, Calvin united with the following Churches: Unity Christian of Memphis, Cummings St. Missionary Baptist, and in 2020, he and his wife Christene united with Brown Missionary Baptist. In 1987, he met and married Ruth Woodard-Burkes to which blessed him with his only son, Calvin Lawrence Burkes, Jr. He began exploring his entrepreneurial spirit in becoming a real estate investor and the landlord to vulnerable populations in Memphis, Tennessee. After years of tenured service in Memphis City Schools, Calvin Burkes changed his career to become a modification specialist at the amazing Shrine School for Children with Special Needs. At this point in his career, he was truly fulfilled by providing support to make the children and teachers' daily school life easier through gadgets and devices he would design and build from his creative imagination. On July 8, 2004, he married life-long friend and Mississippi native Christene Lloyd-Burkes, who remained happily married for 16 years. They spent many days laughing, starting home-based businesses, telling old stories, and traveling on road trips to see dear friends and family. In his later years of life, Calvin found joy simply in hanging out with his beloved son and only grandson, Calvin Anthony Burkes, III, tending to his beautiful garden, to which he would give many of the fruits and vegetables he grew as gifts to loved ones and neighbors. If you knew Calvin, he just loved people. He was a peaceful and quiet man by nature and wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of, especially the "little old ladies" that he adopted over time. He had a gentleness about him where he never forced himself on others, but his actions let you know that he always cared. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Christene Lloyd-Burkes, his son and namesake, Calvin Lawrence Burkes, Jr., his grandson, Calvin Anthony Burkes, III, his sister, Sarah Burkes-Rawlins, brothers Hank Burkes and Andrew (Rita) Burkes, goddaughter, Free McKinney, godsons, Gregory Bacchus and James Bacchus, II, his sisters-in-law, Hattie B. Williams and Hazel Dyse, brothers-in-law, Charles E. Lloyd and Willie Larry (Mary Ann) Lloyd and a host of loving nieces and nephews, family and friends.
Calvin
My Husband, My Friend, My Love You led a purpose-filled life, full of thoughtfulness, creativity, and wisdom. Because of your quite smile and humble spirit, you never met a stranger. You showed people just how much you loved and appreciated them by simply sitting and talking. It was a joy to watch you meet the needs of your “special little elderly ladies”, whom you cared for by giving bouquets of flowers, sharing produce from your garden, picking up their groceries and medications, and taking them to their doctors’ appointments.
Remembering the Life of a
Husband FATHER Grandfather
Brother
FRIEND EDUCATOR SERVANT of GOD and the People A Hard Working Man
Life with you was a blessing because we established a unique balance, a comfortable rhythm of togetherness ... a true partnership. Your warm, gentle encouragement helped me become the best version of myself. My Dear, I will cherish the tender sentiments you shared on my last birthday: “Chris, I thank God for a wife who honors herself, loves her husband, and loves the Lord. I thank God for putting you in my life.” Calvin, thank you for taking excellent care of me and so many others! Say hello to Mama for me! I will see you later my Darling. Thank you for beautiful memories and love that will never fade. Love you, Chris